As Hurricane Erin continues to move throughout the Atlantic, officials have been preparing for months before the storm even formed. “Our work on the Special Medical Needs Registry starts in May every year,” said Chuck Lycett, Director of Dare County Social Services. “Individuals can sign up at any time in Dare County.” The Social Medical Needs Registry helps with medical care and/or personal care during an evacuation for a hurricane or for those needing assistance…

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…

Coastal flooding and ocean overwash are likely to peak on Wednesday and Thursday in Dare County due to Hurricane Erin. Some people in the town of Rodanthe have chosen to ignore the evacuation order for Hatteras Island. Photos taken Wednesday morning in Buxton show waves breaching sandbags just after high tide. The sandbags are in place to protect the homes close enough to the water. High tide is expected around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. Drone footage…

Local swiftwater rescue teams are heading to the coast ahead of dangerous rip currents brought on by Hurricane Erin.  Wrightsville Beach lifeguards rescued as many as 15 people on Tuesday as Hurricane Erin moves through the Atlantic Ocean closer to the North Carolina coast. On Monday, lifeguards at Wrightsville Beach reported between 60 to 70 rip current rescues. Rip currents and large waves from Erin prompted coastal towns to issue no-swimming advisories lasting through Friday. The…

A couple is heading back home to Massachusetts after Hurricane Erin forced them to press pause on their Outer Banks wedding plans. Amber Beninati and Lucas Patruno were planning to tie to the knot on Monday in Ocracoke, but an evacuation alert on Sunday night forced them to change their plans. The couple had planned a small ceremony for just six people — the two of them and their four daughters — in Ocracoke, but…

Hurricane Erin has prompted mandatory evacuations in the Outer Banks. Avon, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island and Rodanthe are under mandatory evacuations along with Dare and Hyde counties. More than 1,000 people left the Outer Banks on Monday. Mandatory evacuations for Hurricane Erin Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected in the Outer Banks late Wednesday. The Outer Banks could see waves between 15 and 20 feet. Dare County leaders said…

Hurricane Erin is sending some would-be travelers scrambling to cancel their trips to the coast. On Monday, Dare County officials issued evacuations for visitors. Residents were asked to evacuate on Tuesday morning. WRAL’s 5 On Your Side shares what you need to know about canceling your trip during a weather disaster. WRAL’s Keely Arthur said the first thing people should know is that the law is really on the side of the consumer in many…

Hurricane Erin has prompted mandatory evacuations in the Outer Banks. Avon, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island and Rodanthe are under mandatory evacuations along with Dare and Hyde counties. More than 1,000 people left the Outer Banks on Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the Outer Banks from the Beaufort Inlet to Duck, including the Pamlico Sound. It means tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area…