What is the location of the flooding?
As of August 22, 2025, Hurricane Erin is impacting the U.S. East Coast. Flooding has impacted the Jersey Shore in New Jersey, coastal areas along the Outer Banks in North Carolina, parts of Delaware near the Indian River Inlet in Sussex, and Long Island in New York.
Though Hurricane Erin is headed further into the Atlantic Ocean and away from shore, coastal flooding, rip currents, and high surf advisories are affecting the shoreline communities from Florida to Maine.
50 people were rescued along the Jersey Shore as flood waters overtook restaurants and roads (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Cities and regions directly impacted by the flooding include (2):
- Duck, North Carolina
- Fire Island, New York
- Freeport, New York
- Long Beach, New York
- Margate City, New Jersey
- Montauk, New York
- New York City, New York
- North Wildwood, New Jersey
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Pleasantville, New York
- Quogue, New York
- Southampton, New York
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
A state of emergency was declared in New Jersey by Governor Phil Murphy, effective from 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025 (3).
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings, coastal flood warnings, and high surf advisories for portions of all US East Coast states, excepting Florida (4).
Coastal flood warnings and high surf advisories are in effect for the Jersey Shore and New York's south-facing beaches. Residents in flood-prone areas were advised to move their cars to higher ground and secure outdoor furniture.
Towns like Southampton and Quogue on Long Island have declared states of emergency due to anticipated flooding and erosion.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
