Hurricane Erin nears: North Topsail Beach closes beach amid rip current, erosion threats

The threat of rip currents and beach erosion has prompted the closure of some beach access points in North Topsail Beach as Hurricane Erin draws nearer in the Atlantic Ocean.

North Topsail Island leaders are monitoring Erin closely, including Town Manager Alice Derian.

“We are always concerned,” Derian said. “Erosion is always at the top of our minds. And, what we need to do to keep an eye and monitor and do anything that we can … as far as preventive projects.”

Beach erosion is a concern all year round in many coastal communities like North Topsail Beach, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season.

On Wednesday afternoon, North Topsail Beach had some erosion. Hurricane Erin is expected to bring strong winds and high surf.

Before the start of hurricane season on June 1, Derian said town workers survey the beach. Town leaders are asking people to avoid the beaches as the rip-current threat remains high and erosion is imminent.

Onslow County-operated beach accesses in North Topsail Beach are currently closed and will reopen after Hurricane Erin.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there is a storm surge warning and a tropical storm warning in effect for North Topsail Beach.

The town’s website states high tide will be around:

• 6 p.m. Wednesday
• 6:30 a.m. Thursday
• 7 p.m. Thursday
• 7 a.m. Friday
• 8 p.m. Friday

Town leaders are urging people not to get in the water.