As Hurricane Erin churns toward North Carolina's Outer Banks with life-threatening waves up to 20 feet and tropical storm-force winds extending 265 miles from its center, roofing contractors across the state are preparing ahead of the Category 2 storm's closest approach.

The storm is forecast to track 150-250 miles east of North Carolina's Outer Banks this week, with its closest approach to the U.S. coastline Thursday, according to AccuWeather hurricane experts. Despite remaining offshore, Erin's expanding circulation is expected to blast parts of the Outer Banks with 60-to-80-mph wind gusts and waves reaching 15-20 feet.

Hurricane Erin is expected to increase in size and strength during the next 48 hours as it turns north, with tropical storm force winds likely reaching the coast, especially the Outer Banks, on Wednesday and Thursday.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday as North Carolina prepares for impacts from Hurricane Erin. The governor is scheduled to hold a media briefing at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday to provide storm status updates.

"Hurricane Erin will bring threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions," Governor Stein said. "North Carolinians along the coast should get prepared now, ensure their emergency kit is ready, and listen to local emergency guidelines and alerts in the event they need to evacuate."

Local states of emergency have been declared in Dare County and Hyde County, with mandatory evacuations in place for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. A state-operated disaster shelter is available at 113 Wilcox Street in Warrenton, N.C., with pets allowed.

Roofing Industry Response

Roofing contractors are implementing lessons learned from previous storms, establishing single points of contact for emergency repairs and using advanced weather monitoring systems to position crews strategically before the worst conditions arrive—critical preparations as North Carolina faces what could be one of the most significant coastal flooding events in recent years.

"Hurricane Erin is getting uncomfortably close to us here in Eastern N.C. We're tracking every mile to be ready when our Crystal Coast neighbors need us most," posted Think Roofing & Storm Restoration in Newport, N.C.

Aaron Brinkley, project specialist at Patriot Roofing & Exteriors in Wilmington, N.C., reminded homeowners not to become complacent despite the storm's offshore track. "While we may just get some rain and wind, let's not get too comfortable," Brinkley said.

He also noted that some coastal homeowners may qualify for North Carolina's grant program, which provides up to $6,000 toward upgrading to a certified IBHS FORTIFIED Roof. The initiative, launched by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association earlier this year, is designed to harden coastal homes against wind and water damage. Research shows that homes with FORTIFIED roofs suffer fewer and less severe claims during hurricanes, and policyholders may also receive insurance premium credits for completing the upgrade.

Storm Surge and Flooding Threats

Hurricane Erin may produce storm surge up to 6 feet along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with a surge of up to 3 feet expected from northern South Carolina to southern Virginia. This surge may damage or destroy coastal homes and wash out low-lying roadways, such as NC-12, making travel impossible.

"Coastal flooding is expected from northern South Carolina, along much of North Carolina, and parts of Southern Virginia as Erin moves northeast and parallels the coastline," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva.

The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for the Outer Banks beginning late Wednesday, warning of tropical storm force wind gusts, heavy rain with isolated flash flooding, and life-threatening storm surge of 2-4 feet. Large waves could lead to significant beach erosion and overwash, leaving some roads impassable.

AccuWeather hurricane experts are urging extreme caution at beaches along the mid-Atlantic coast, warning of a moderate risk to life and property Tuesday through Thursday night.

"The dangers at the beach this week should not be underestimated. Dozens of rip current rescues have already been reported along the Carolinas," DaSilva warned. "The force of the rip currents and rough surf along the Atlantic coast this week is life-threatening."

As the storm moves northward between the East Coast and Bermuda, winds may gust up to 40-60 mph along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 80 mph. These winds could cause tree damage, localized power outages, and continue to generate life-threatening rip currents and rough surf.