As of Monday morning, Hurricane Erin had weakened from its brief Category 5 peak, down to Category 3 on Sunday, and back up to Category 4. The downgraded storm is now a Category 4, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
While Erin is not expected to directly hit the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, it still packs a dangerous punch. It’s expected to generate hazardous surf, heavy rain, and the potential for life-threatening rip currents. These conditions are predicted to spread well away from the storm center.
Even if the center of the storm stays far offshore, swells can travel hundreds of miles and create dangerous beach conditions. According to the National Hurricane Center, coastal campgrounds and low-lying RV sites can still face flooding, strong winds, and access problems.
Stay tuned to National Hurricane Center advisories and local emergency management messages for your exact location.
Take immediate action
RVers who are camping near the East Coast right now should be on alert. If you are parked in a coastal or low-lying RV park, the safest option is to move inland or to a structurally sound building long before conditions deteriorate.
RVs and mobile homes are not designed as a safe shelter for hurricanes or high-wind events. The American Red Cross urges people to make a plan and put it into action early. Waiting until the last minute makes evacuation much more difficult.
If evacuation is recommended or an official order is in place, leave when told. Fuel up, check tire pressure and fluids, and know at least two routes out of the area. Bring important documents, medications, supplies, and a charged phone with you. Do not assume you can drive through standing water — just a few inches can stall a vehicle or float it.
If you choose to relocate your RV before the storm, pick higher, inland ground that is not in a floodplain and is away from trees that can fall. Avoid river bottoms, coastal barrier islands, and roads prone to closure. Contact your campground or the park manager. Many parks will close or restrict access as the storm approaches.
Secure your RV?
If you have time and can’t move your rig, secure it as best you can. Remove or secure awnings, loose outdoor gear, and satellite dishes. Tie down what you can or bring it inside. Unhook external propane lines only if your plan and local advice indicate it’s safe to do so. Make sure all tanks are shut off.
If you plan to run a generator, follow government safety rules:
• Never run generators inside the RV or in a partially enclosed area. Place the unit well away from doors, windows, and vents so carbon monoxide cannot enter the living spaces.
• Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated cords.
• Never back-feed the RV or campground electrical pedestal. (Plug a generator directly into an outlet or power pedestal in a way that sends electricity backward through the system.)
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Beach and water safety
Stay out of the water while the storm is nearby. Rip currents can form far from the storm and are often invisible until you’re in trouble. Local lifeguard flags, beach closures, and police orders are for your safety. Respect them.
Communications
Have multiple ways to receive updates: NOAA weather radio, official NHC advisories online, your phone’s emergency alert system, and local emergency management social media feeds.
Save local emergency numbers and the phone number for your campground or park host. If cell service is unreliable, a battery-powered NOAA radio or apps that store alerts offline are useful.
After the storm
Even after winds die down, hazards can remain. There may be flooded roads, downed power lines, and unstable trees. Don’t return to an evacuated area until officials say it’s safe.
Use caution if you plan to re-enter your RV. Check for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical hazards before turning systems back on.
The Red Cross and local authorities will announce shelter and recovery resources.
Up-to-date information
Satellite imagery and forecast maps are updated constantly. Watch the latest NHC advisories and local emergency messages to identify the storm track or watches and warnings for your county or campground.
Rely on the National Hurricane Center for official forecasts and wind and surge graphics. Remember that FEMA and your local emergency management will provide evacuation and shelter guidance. Reputable organizations like the American Red Cross will provide recovery help.
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RVT1223b
Thank you for the timely advice, Gail! Have a great week and safe travels!