With Hurricane Erin churning in the Atlantic, millions across seven states are being urged to prepare. Meteorologists warn Erin could become the fiercest storm of the 2025 season, even though it is expected to remain about 200 miles offshore.

The storm’s impacts will still be felt. Rip currents, 20-foot waves, and coastal flooding threaten North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Beachgoers are being advised to follow safety instructions from lifeguards and local officials.

In North Carolina, Hatteras Island has been evacuated and a state of emergency declared for the Outer Banks. Hyde County also issued an emergency order for Ocracoke Island, warning Highway 12 could become impassable. Dare County evacuated most of its 38,000 residents.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says tropical storm-force winds and flooding could begin in the Outer Banks by late Wednesday. Heavy rainfall of two to seven inches is forecast across Georgia and the Carolinas, where flood warnings are already in effect.

Dangerous gusts are expected to reach the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England by Friday, with the Tri-State Area at risk by Thursday. The Jersey Shore and Long Island’s South Shore could face the most severe coastal threats.

While Erin has weakened, the NHC cautions it remains “large and dangerous.” Some re-intensification is possible due to favorable conditions, though cooler waters may limit significant strengthening.

The Bahamas has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for its central islands, with warnings for the Turks and Caicos and the southeast Bahamas. Officials there, too, are preparing for heavy rains and rough seas.

Authorities across affected regions continue to urge residents to take the storm seriously, stay informed, and prioritize safety as Hurricane Erin approaches.