Fears are growing that the remnants of Hurricane Erin could bring a 600-mile wall of rain and strong winds to the UK after a state of emergency was declared in parts of North Carolina.
More than 38,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the powerful storm—briefly a Category 5 hurricane—lashes the US east coast. Beaches along the Outer Banks are already experiencing 20ft waves, while the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos have seen heavy rain and flooding.
The Met Office has warned that while Erin will weaken as it tracks more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, its remnants could still reach the UK late in the August Bank Holiday weekend.
UK impact: wall of rain explained
Meteorologist Simon King told the BBC that the so-called “600-mile wall of rain” refers to a large low-pressure system that could sweep across Britain. This would mean “heavy, thundery downpours, particularly in southern and western areas” from Monday onwards.
Met Office forecasters added:
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Temperatures could reach 28C midweek before conditions turn unsettled.
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Erin may drag warmer air northwards, meaning the South could stay mild despite rain.
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Thunderstorm alerts have already been issued for north-eastern Scotland and Northern Ireland, with up to 70mm of rainfall in just two hours possible.
State of emergency in the US
In North Carolina, mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Hatteras Island communities, with officials urging residents to secure property and leave immediately. The storm is expected to affect New York’s Tri-State area later this week, bringing dangerous surf and rip currents.
UK outlook
The Met Office said:
“After a warm and settled start to the week, a deep low linked to Hurricane Erin is likely to reach the UK. This could bring widespread wet and windy conditions, especially in the North and West. There remains a small chance of severe disruption from heavy rainfall.”
The warnings come after the UK experienced its fifth warmest July on record, but with drought conditions persisting in parts of England. Officials are now preparing for a sharp swing from heat and dryness to storm-driven downpours.
