Tuesday, August 19, 2025 — Morning update from the Topsail Guide Editorial Team.
We’re actively monitoring Hurricane Erin this morning and pulling from the most reliable sources — NHC/NWS advisories and WECT’s weather coverage — to keep us all thinking practically. After 7+ years living in (and reporting for) Topsail, we know these systems can be intimidating, especially if you’re visiting.
Our goal here is simple: To share what matters today and advise on what to expect over the next 24–48 hours.
A quick reminder from experience: true locals take these events seriously but without lots of drama. Follow guidance from town and county officials, heed beach patrol and law enforcement, and use trusted updates from the WECT weather team and their app. If you’re in a rental or planning beach time, read the safety notes below; Smart timing and a little preparation go a long way.
Stay safe, and let’s look at what the latest track means for Topsail:
Current Status & Track
- Erin is a Category 3 hurricane early Tuesday with maximum sustained winds around 115 mph. The center is located roughly 750 miles SSE of Cape Hatteras and tracking NW at ~7 mph. Forecast calls for a turn north then northeast Wednesday–Thursday, keeping the center offshore.
- Watches & warnings (NC): A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Beaufort Inlet to Duck, including Pamlico Sound. Pender/Onslow (Topsail area) are south of these watch zones.
- Key takeaway for Topsail: We remain on the western edge of Erin. Primary impacts are high surf, strong rip currents, occasional squalls, and minor beach erosion. Track guidance continues to favor an offshore pass.
Topsail & Coastal Pender Impacts (Next 24–48 hours)
- High Surf Advisory & Rip Current Risk: Elevated through at least Thursday night. Breakers 4–7 ft today with long-period swell increasing through midweek.
- Beach erosion & overwash: Localized impacts possible at high tide on the island’s more exposed ends (far north near New River Inlet; far south near Topsail Inlet). Widespread surge flooding is not expected here under the current forecast track.
- Rain & wind: Periodic squalls and gusts are possible, especially Wednesday night into Thursday as the storm’s wind/wave field expands offshore.
- Tides: Expect higher-than-normal water levels during high tides. Give extra space to the dune toe and access points.
Beach & Water Safety
- Don’t swim when the rip current risk is high. Even experienced swimmers and surfers can be caught inside strong, fast-moving rips during hurricane swell.
- Keep off wet sand and low dunes near high tide; incoming sets arrive in pulses and can knock adults and children off their feet.
- Stay off piers and jetties during peak surf—rogue waves can sweep the deck.
- Boaters: Use protected waters, watch inlets, and check the marine forecast before any trip.
If You’re Visiting or in a Rental
- Check with your property manager for any on-site guidance (trash cans, outdoor furniture, parking on higher ground).
- Secure loose items on decks and porches. Bring in beach gear each evening.
- Plan non-beach activities on peak surf/rip days. Parks, shops, or inland day trips as safer alternatives.
- Travel timing: Allow extra time on US-17 and bridge approaches during peak conditions. Refuel vehicles before the heaviest bands arrive.
Notes for Locals & Business Owners
- Oceanfront: Move cans and signage back; secure umbrellas/flags; close dune crossover gates if applicable.
- Service providers: Stage vehicles away from flood-prone curb lanes on high-tide cycles.
- Marinas & small craft: Double-check lines/fenders; avoid transiting inlets during strong swell periods.
Stay Informed with WECT
We’ve trusted the WECT First Alert weather team for eight years and rely on their updates during events like this. Meteorologist Gannon Medwick and the team provide timely local context for the Cape Fear region.
- WECT First Alert Hurricane Center — regional forecasts, explainer links, and live coverage
- WECT Weather App (iOS) | WECT Weather App (Android)
- Tip: In the app, set your location precisely for the best local conditions, and enable alerts. While uncommon, previous hurricanes have spun up tornado activity.
Quick FAQ
Is Topsail under a tropical storm or surge watch?
No. Current NHC watches focus from Cape Lookout northward. Locally, the main hazards are high surf and dangerous rips.
Should I expect evacuation orders here?
Not based on the current track. Still, follow town guidance and monitor official updates.
Can I swim?
If the risk is listed as High (which is the case actively), the answer is no.
