Authorities in US state of North Carolina order evacuations as Hurricane Erin nears

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Local authorities in the US state of North Carolina ordered mandatory evacuations for Hatteras Island in Dare County as Hurricane Erin approaches, warning of severe flooding and life-threatening coastal conditions.

All visitors to Hatteras Island, which lies along the Atlantic coast and includes the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras, were told to evacuate starting Monday morning.

Residents were advised to leave beginning Tuesday morning.

Dare County officials also declared a state of emergency across the region, urging people to secure their property and leave before conditions worsen.

Forecasters said that while Erin is expected to remain offshore, the enormous storm will produce dangerous waves, coastal flooding and powerful rip currents.

Dare County officials further warned that flooding could begin Tuesday evening and continue through Thursday.

"Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures," they said, adding that water could flood homes and businesses and submerge vehicles.

A countywide swimming ban is also in place.

The US National Hurricane Center has issued a public advisory saying that Erin is currently packing winds of 105 miles per hour (165 kilometers per hour) as well as storm surge and tropical storm warnings for parts of the North Carolina coast.