Hurricane Erin Swallows Homes, ‘20ft Waves’ Incoming (Video)

This is nothing new for the region, as the seaside homes are built on stilts for this very reason. Still, Erin continues to pose potential threats of damage, destruction, and possibly large, epic surf for regions of the East Coast. And specifically, OBX.

As a result of the storm surge, Dare County has issued a swimming prohibition, punishable with a Class 2 misdemeanor: “Due to life-threatening ocean conditions—including rip currents and extremely hazardous surf and large breaking waves—double red flags have been posted throughout all Dare County beaches by local ocean rescue agencies, indicating that no one may enter the waters of the Atlantic Ocean anywhere in Dare County.”

However, good news, there is a “Surfing Exception: Entry with a surfboard is permitted. A surfboard is defined as a fiberglass and foam combination at least five feet in length, having a minimum of one fin, and used in conjunction with a leash.”

What’s next? Well, more storm surges, more flooding, and more swell. According to AccuWeather: “The North Carolina Outer Banks will experience a storm surge of several feet with wave action on top of that, likely between 10 and 15 feet, but locally higher to near 20 feet, depending on Erin's eye proximity to the coast.”

For more detailed swell forecasting, stay tuned to Surfline, where the latest update states: “Erin has weakened significantly from yesterday, but we’re still on track for plenty of swell and surf through the week.”