Several more homes along the North Carolina Outer Banks have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean. Officials warn that additional properties could fall into the sea in the coming days as rough surf continues to impact the coastline. This marks a significant ongoing challenge for the region's barrier islands.
Key Takeaways
- Five unoccupied homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon.
- Debris from the collapses has created hazardous conditions on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- Over two dozen homes have fallen into the sea since 2020, with 16 since mid-September this year.
- Coastal erosion, exacerbated by rising sea levels, is a major factor.
- Beach fortification projects are scheduled for 2026, but local officials seek faster solutions.
Recent Collapses Affect Buxton Community
On Tuesday afternoon, five unoccupied homes succumbed to the ocean. The collapses occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. ET. Two of these homes were located on Tower Circle Road in Buxton. Another two were on Ocean Drive, and one stood on Cottage Avenue, all within the same community.
The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed these events. Local authorities are now working to contact the property owners. The goal is to determine their plans for removing the extensive debris now scattered across the beaches.
Important Fact
The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands stretching over 100 miles along North Carolina's coast. Many of its beach homes are built on high stilts.
Hazardous Debris Closes Beaches
Following the collapses, officials issued a strong warning to visitors. They advised people to avoid the beaches and stay out of the water in Buxton. This is due to the varying amounts of hazardous debris now littering the beach south of the collapse sites.
Large pieces of lumber have been observed both in the surf and along the shorebreak. This poses a significant danger to anyone entering the water or walking on the sand. The safety of visitors and residents remains a top priority.
"Officials advised visitors to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to avoid the beach and stay out of the water in Buxton due to 'varying amounts' of hazardous debris that are currently littering the beach south of the collapse site."
Ongoing Erosion Crisis
The recent collapses are part of a larger, ongoing issue. Since 2020, more than two dozen privately-owned homes along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore have fallen into the Atlantic. The situation has intensified recently, with 16 of these homes collapsing since September 16 of this year alone. Most of the debris from earlier collapses had been cleared before Tuesday's events.
The villages of Rodanthe and Buxton have been particularly affected by this coastal erosion. These communities are on the front lines of environmental changes impacting the barrier islands.
Understanding Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is a natural process where land along the coast is worn away by waves, tides, and wind. However, rising sea levels, often linked to global warming and melting ice caps, are exacerbating this natural phenomenon, speeding up the loss of land.
Impact of Severe Weather
The Outer Banks frequently bears the brunt of inclement weather systems impacting the East Coast. Even storms that do not make direct landfall can cause significant damage.
For example, in August, mandatory evacuations were issued in several Outer Banks counties due to Hurricane Erin. While the storm did not hit the U.S. directly, its distant effects still warranted safety measures. Between September 30 and October 3, eight homes collapsed after Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. Both hurricanes remained far out in the Atlantic but generated massive waves that pounded the eastern seaboard. An additional home fell on October 18, just days after the season's first nor'easter battered the East Coast.
- August: Hurricane Erin prompted evacuations despite no U.S. landfall.
- Sept. 30-Oct. 3: Eight homes collapsed after impacts from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
- Oct. 18: One home fell after the season's first nor'easter.
Future Plans for Beach Fortification
Addressing the accelerating erosion requires significant action. Projects aimed at fortifying the beaches near the Outer Banks are in the pipeline. These include beach nourishment initiatives and jetty repairs. However, these crucial projects are not scheduled until 2026.
Local officials are keenly aware of the urgency. Bobby Outten, Dare County manager, stated that they are trying to preserve and secure the beaches as quickly as possible. The community faces a race against time as the ocean continues its relentless advance.
The long-term resilience of these cherished coastal communities depends on effective and timely protective measures. Until then, residents and visitors must remain vigilant against the changing coastline.
