Churned Up

Hurricane Erin has Outer Banks residents packing their bags.

Despite weakening to a Category 2 on Tuesday, Erin still threatens to churn out 110mph winds, 15-foot waves, and deadly rip currents from Florida to New England. While the storm is expected to curve north and stay offshore, mandatory evacuations were ordered for the Carolinian Barrier Islands, with warnings of swamped roads and dangerous surf.

Erin lashed the Caribbean with rain and wind on Monday before setting her sights farther north. As she moved up the coast, officials at North Carolina’s Wrightsville Beach reported rescuing at least 60 swimmers from rip currents. 

Tropical storm and surge watches remain in place across much of the Carolinas’ coastline. Forecasters say Erin’s closest pass will be today and tomorrow, with tropical-storm-force winds extending 200 miles from her offshore center.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people but for creation itself. 

“For the creation was subjected to futility ​— ​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it ​— ​in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.” 
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)