Hurricane Erin Strengthens and Prompts Evacuations
Hurricane Erin has strengthened into an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane as it continues its journey across the Atlantic.1 The storm is expected to remain offshore from the U.S. East Coast, but its impacts are already being felt.2 Officials in North Carolina have issued mandatory evacuations for parts of the Outer Banks, and states of emergency have been declared.3 The storm is producing life-threatening rip currents and large waves that will affect the coast from Florida to the mid-Atlantic.4
- Source: National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/
- Source: Fox Weather, https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/hurricane-erin-north-carolina-evacuations-states-of-emergency-atlantic
- Source: National Hurricane Center, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/cyclones/
Heat Advisory in Effect for Parts of the Southeast
A Heat Advisory is in effect for portions of Western and Central Alabama through 8 PM CDT on Tuesday.5 Heat indices are expected to reach up to 107°F at times. The National Weather Service advises residents to stay cool and hydrated.
- Source: National Weather Service, https://forecast.weather.gov/zipcity.php?inputstring=Starkville,MS
Wildfire Headlines
Wildfires Continue to Burn Across the U.S.
As of August 18, 2025, there are 49 large wildfires burning across nine geographic areas nationwide.6 A total of 17,249 firefighters and support personnel have been assigned to these incidents. The total acreage burned so far in 2025 is 3,757,847 acres. The states with the most fires include Idaho, Arizona, California, Montana, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico.
- Source: National Interagency Fire Center, https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
California Wildfire Update
California has five large fires currently active.7 The largest, the Gifford Fire, has burned over 131,000 acres and is 91% contained. Other notable fires include the Orleans Complex, which has burned over 22,000 acres, and the Rosa Fire, which is at 98% containment.8 Fire potential across California is expected to increase through the summer due to persistent drought conditions.9
- Source: CAL FIRE, https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI but reviewed and verified by a human.