Local State of Emergency Issued in Dare County; Mandatory Evacuation Ordered for Hatteras Island

Dare County evacuation 2025 begins as Hurricane Erin nears the coast, bringing flooding, dune loss, and dangerous surf.

Dare County, N.C. (August 17, 2025) — Dare County officials have issued a Local State of Emergency for all areas of the county, effective Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in response to the looming impacts of Hurricane Erin. While the storm is forecast to remain well offshore, its growing size and power will bring life-threatening flooding, dune destruction, and ocean overwash to the Outer Banks.

Mandatory Evacuation for Hatteras Island (Zone A)

Authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for all of Hatteras Island (Zone A), which includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras.

• Visitors Evacuation: Begins Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
• Residents Evacuation: Begins Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

Under state law (§ 42A-36), all vacation rental tenants must comply with the evacuation order, regardless of whether they are in possession of the property.

Anticipated Impacts

According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, N.C., the worst impacts will begin Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025 and continue through Thursday, August 21, 2025:

• Coastal Flooding & Overwash: Expected to make N.C. Highway 12 impassable for several days.
• High Surf Advisory: Waves of 15-20+ feet predicted, causing severe beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions.
• Property & Road Damage: Floodwaters could inundate homes, businesses, and vehicles with possible structural damage.

Evacuation Routes

Evacuees heading north are urged to travel westbound on Highway 64 to Interstate 95, avoiding congestion through Virginia’s Hampton Roads. Details on Dare County’s official evacuation routes are available at DareNC.gov/Evacuation.

Safety Reminder

Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to finalize preparations immediately, secure property, and follow guidance from local officials and property management companies.

Reported by Ava Thompson, Las Vegas Newspaper
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Ava Thompson

Ava Thompson anchors breaking news for Las Vegas Newspaper, delivering fast, accurate updates across video, web, and social. She translates early reports into plain language, flags what’s confirmed, and updates stories as facts develop. Ava’s goals: minimize confusion, maximize clarity, and help the community respond to urgent events

Stay informed, stay safe—Ava Thompson, Las Vegas Newspaper.