🌪️ TNW News — Breaking Weather Alert

Virginia Beach Under Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Erin Moves Offshore
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Time: 2:30 PM EDT
By: TNW News Breaking News Team

Virginia Beach Braces for Hurricane Erin’s Offshore Assault

Virginia Beach, VA — The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Virginia Beach, in effect until 7:15 PM EDT today, as Hurricane Erin churns off the East Coast, sending dangerous surf and strong winds into the Mid-Atlantic.

Waves up to 10–14 feet are slamming the shoreline, prompting a High Surf Advisory through Friday morning, while a Beach Hazard Statement and a Coastal Flood Watch remain in effect for the coming days.

State of Emergency Declarations

• North Carolina — Governor declared a statewide state of emergency as Hurricane Erin batters the coast. Mandatory evacuations are underway for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, with more than 2,000 residents already ferried to safety.
• Virginia — At this time, no state of emergency has been declared. Local officials in Virginia Beach continue to monitor conditions closely but have not yet issued an emergency proclamation.

Impacts Already Felt

• Coastal flooding expected late Thursday into Friday during high tide cycles.
• Rip currents and beach erosion intensifying as Erin drives water onto the coast.
• Winds 40–50 mph possible, with scattered outages and debris risks.
• Beach access closures and road flooding are anticipated in low-lying neighborhoods.

Community Response

Local officials are urging residents and visitors to:

• Stay away from the water and obey lifeguard restrictions.
• Secure outdoor property ahead of stronger winds.
• Avoid travel in flood-prone areas when tides peak Thursday evening.

Emergency crews in Virginia Beach have staged high-water vehicles and pre-positioned sandbags in preparation for street flooding.

On the Ground

This afternoon, the usually busy Virginia Beach Boardwalk is eerily quiet. Lifeguard stands are vacant, restaurants are boarded, and waves thunder against seawalls. Residents brace for the next 48 hours as Erin’s outer bands continue to lash the coast.

Forecast Timeline

Alert TypeWhenDetailsTropical Storm WarningThrough 7:15 PM WednesdayWinds 40–50 mph, rough seasHigh Surf Advisory1 PM Wed → 7 AM FriWaves 10–14 ftBeach Hazard StatementThrough 8 PM FriDangerous rip currentsCoastal Flood WatchThu 2 PM → Fri 2 PM1–3 ft inundation in low areasState of Emergency (NC)ActiveEvacuations, Outer Banks hitState of Emergency (VA)Not declared (monitoring)No emergency proclamation yet

TNW News Commitment

TNW News will provide continuous coverage as Hurricane Erin moves up the East Coast. Visit TNWWeather.comand follow TNW News on YouTube, X, Instagram, and TikTok for live updates from our Breaking Weather Team.

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