Myrtle Beach, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Erin has intensified to a Category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds, posing a threat to the East Coast as life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected. Coastal areas, especially in South Carolina, should prepare for hazardous conditions and beach erosion. A state of emergency has been declared in Dare County, NC, as surfers anticipate challenging conditions. Rip currents are a particular concern, urging beachgoers to prioritize safety. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Hurricane Erin has re-intensified to a Category 4 major hurricane as of August 17, 2025, with sustained winds reaching 130 mph. Currently located 965 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the storm is moving northwest at a speed of 12 mph and has a central pressure of 942 mb.
As Hurricane Erin approaches, life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected across the East Coast starting August 18 and lasting through August 22. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, advising beachgoers of the dangerous conditions, especially at east and southeast-facing beaches.
Waves along the coastline of South Carolina could reach heights of up to 6 feet, while the storm’s center could generate swells reaching about 50 feet. With strong winds and coastal flooding expected as Erin nears the North Carolina coastline, locals are urged to proceed with caution.
In preparation, a state of emergency has been declared in Dare County, North Carolina. Local surfers are, however, showing excitement about the upcoming surf challenges presented by Hurricane Erin, with many viewing it as a rare opportunity to catch good waves. The Village Surf Shoppe, a local establishment that has been in operation since 1969, is fully prepared to face the storm’s impact.
Surfing Conditions and Safety Advisory
Surfers are advised to head to south-facing beaches to find the best surf conditions while avoiding areas like Long Bay, which might not be as favorable. Areas around Folly Beach, Ocean Isle, and Hilton Head are anticipated to provide particularly advantageous surf conditions following the hurricane.
Beach erosion is already evident, notably near the Holiday Inn Club Vacations in Myrtle Beach, as local surf conditions evolve. For newcomers, particularly surfers like Loren Thomas from Boston and Paige Schultz from Watertown, NY, surf lessons are being held at Springmaid Pier—but these students plan to leave before the predicted wave impact from Erin reaches its peak.
Warnings About Rip Currents
Rip current warnings are being taken seriously, given that these currents can move at speeds of about eight feet per second, making them faster than an Olympic swimmer. An annual average of 100 people in the U.S. fall victim to rip currents each year, heightening the importance of swimming parallel to the shore if caught in one.
Moreover, a tropical storm warning is also in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeast Bahamas as Hurricane Erin continues its path through the Atlantic. Authorities are continuing to monitor the storm closely and provide updates as needed.
Summary of Key Features of Hurricane Erin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | 4 Major Hurricane |
| Sustained Winds | 130 mph |
| Location | 965 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, NC |
| Movement | Northwest at 12 mph |
| Expected Wave Heights | Up to 6 feet on South Carolina coast; 50 feet near storm center |
| Rip Current Danger | Life-threatening currents expected from August 18-22 |
| State of Emergency | Declared in Dare County, NC |
FAQ
What is the current status of Hurricane Erin?
What are the surf conditions expected from Hurricane Erin?
What safety precautions should beachgoers take?
Are there any areas recommended for surfing?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Hurricane Erin Track and NC Evacuations
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Hurricane Erin Surf Update
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- WBTW: The Latest on Hurricane Erin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WXII: Tropical Hurricane Erin Beach Impact
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Hurricane Erin
- WYFF4: Hurricane Erin East Coast Impacts
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
