Watch Huge Waves From Hurricane Erin Batter Beach Homes in North Carolina
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Several videos shared across social media this week show massive waves from Hurricane Erin battering abandoned beachfront properties in North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Why It Matters
As of Wednesday afternoon, Hurricane Erin was a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Although it won't make landfall in the U.S., the large storm is passing close enough to the East Coast to generate massive waves and life-threatening rip currents.
Earlier this week, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the Outer Banks as officials feared that overwash would flood important roads.
A stock photo shows Hurricane Florence causing enormous waves and winds in North Carolina's Outer Banks in September 2018.
A stock photo shows Hurricane Florence causing enormous waves and winds in North Carolina's Outer Banks in September 2018.
IndigoSurf Photography/Getty
What To Know
Meteorologists have warned of 20-foot waves this week, with the Outer Banks likely to see some of the strongest waves.
"Will these homes survive #HurricaneErin? With 15-20' waves forecast, these abandoned houses in Rodanthe, NC could be taken out later this week," FOX Weather meteorologist Mike Seidel posted on X on Monday night.
Will these homes survive #HurricaneErin? With 15-20' waves forecast, these abandoned houses in Rodanthe, NC could be taken out later this week. Live coverage on @foxweather starts at 7 AM ET with @thekatiebyrne from Jacksonville Beach, FL #OBX #Tropical pic.twitter.com/RhDDqOS3Tj — Mike Seidel (@mikeseidel) August 19, 2025
By Wednesday, videos of waves lashing the homes began to make the rounds on social media.
"The Outer Banks of North Carolina are swept by massive swells kicked up by Hurricane #Erin Coastal flooding remains possible as Erin nears the North Carolina coast, with the worst of the impacts expected Thursday. The ENTIRE East Coast should remain vigilant, as massive waves will affect all eastern seaboard beaches." WeatherNation posted on X on Wednesday morning.
NEW:
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are swept by massive swells kicked up by Hurricane #Erin
Coastal flooding remains possible as Erin nears the North Carolina coast, with the worst of the impacts expected Thursday.
The ENTIRE East Coast should remain vigilant, as massive… pic.twitter.com/48pqgCXUUb — WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) August 20, 2025
The accompanying video shows strong waves lashing the abandoned properties.
"Powerful waves from Hurricane Erin hit beachside homes and flooded streets along North Carolina's Outer Banks on Tuesday," AccuWeather posted with a similar video.
Powerful waves from Hurricane Erin hit beachside homes and flooded streets along North Carolina's Outer Banks on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/K5ZZ3K7Ayw — AccuWeather (@accuweather) August 20, 2025
Some social media users criticized the latter posts as not including all vital information, such as the fact that the homes had been abandoned.
"These homes were abandoned and the homeowners compensated due to the construction of the new bridge several years ago," one user posted on the WeatherNation video. "This is disingenuous "news" for shock factor only. Pretty pathetic."
A comment on the AccuWeather said the homes were deemed uninhabitable years ago.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Ryan Fucheck told Newsweek: "As far as waves go, we are really expecting things to ramp up this evening. The biggest impacts from the storm will be overnight tonight and through Thursday. We are still going to continue to see waves around 10-plus feet, especially in the Outer Banks north of Cape Hatteras through Friday. As we get to the weekend, conditions will gradually improve."
NWS Morehead City, in a high surf advisory: "Extreme beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures. Severe flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront causing flooding of many homes and businesses with some structural damage possible. Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged. Actions will need to be taken to protect life and property. Extremely dangerous swimming and surfing conditions expected, as well as the wave action resulting in significant beach erosion."
What Happens Next
Weather warnings related to Hurricane Erin are expected to remain in place along the East Coast through much of this week. People were urged to remain out of the ocean on the East Coast, as numerous water rescues have already occurred for people caught in rip currents related to the storm.
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