Cape Hatteras, NC, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A precautionary swimming advisory has been issued for parts of the Outer Banks following Hurricane Erin, due to potential wastewater contamination. Health risks include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and skin infections. Monitoring of water quality is ongoing, and the advisory will remain in effect until safety standards are met. Significant beach erosion and damage have also been reported in the area. Residents and visitors are advised to stay aware of safety advisories as recovery efforts continue.
Cape Hatteras, NC – A precautionary swimming advisory has been issued for parts of the Outer Banks following the impacts of Hurricane Erin earlier this week. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) has warned that swimming in ocean waters between the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras along Highway 12 at Cape Hatteras National Seashore poses health risks related to potential wastewater contamination.
The advisory comes as conditions in the ocean may lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and skin infections, stemming from exposure to septic drain fields and ocean wash issues exacerbated by the storm. State officials are currently monitoring water quality and will lift the advisory when bacteriological tests indicate that water quality meets state and federal safety standards, following a 24-hour cessation of any pumping activity.
Hurricane Erin caused significant erosion and storm surge in the affected areas, leading to damage such as over five feet of sand accumulation at the Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton. The motel’s co-owner reported that not only was the parking lot buried under sand, but crucial infrastructure items like stairs and heating systems were washed away. While the motel plans to resume renting rooms soon, it estimates that cleanup operations will take around four weeks.
Additionally, two beachfront homes in Rodanthe are in danger of collapse due to the high waves generated by the hurricane, further underscoring the precarious nature of development in barrier island environments. Since 2020, at least 11 homes in Rodanthe have succumbed to similar coastal erosion issues.
As experts caution, the dynamic landscape of the Outer Banks makes it unsuitable for extensive property development, particularly as rising sea levels contribute to accelerating beach erosion. Many locations along the coast reportedly lose an average of 10 to 15 feet of beachfront each year. A study published in 2023 noted that approximately 750 out of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are currently at risk from erosion.
The aftermath of Hurricane Erin also saw the NC 12 roadway reopen two days after storm-related closures. While the Outer Banks bore significant impacts, the Wilmington area experienced far less severe effects, marked by less than an inch of rain and mild wind gusts. However, red flag conditions were issued in Surf City due to dangerous rip currents, and a coastal flood advisory remains in effect in Wilmington following the storm.
As conditions stabilize, residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant regarding health and safety advisories related to ocean swimming while recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Erin.
FAQ
What areas are affected by the swimming advisory?
The swimming advisory covers the ocean waters between the Villages of Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras along Highway 12 at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
What risks are associated with swimming in these areas?
Risks include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and skin infections, primarily due to potential wastewater contamination.
How long will the swimming advisory last?
The advisory will be lifted once water quality tests meet safety standards and pumping has stopped for at least 24 hours.
What damage did Hurricane Erin cause?
Hurricane Erin caused significant beach erosion, flooding, and structural damage, including piling sand into parking lots and threatening beachfront homes.
Are there other safety advisories in effect?
Yes, red flag conditions are in place at Surf City, warning swimmers of dangerous rip currents, and a coastal flood advisory remains for the Wilmington area.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Swimming Advisory | Covers ocean waters between Rodanthe, Buxton, and Hatteras |
| Health Risks | Diarrhea, cramps, skin infections |
| Monitoring | Ongoing water quality tests to lift advisory |
| Road Reopenings | NC 12 reopened after two days |
| Damage Reports | Significant erosion and structural damage reported |
| Safety Advisories | Red flags in Surf City for rip currents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Jersey and New York Prepare for Hurricane Erin’s Impact
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations and Warnings Along U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Erin Strengthens as It Approaches Outer Banks, NC
Hurricane Erin Strengthens to Category 4: North Carolina Prepares for Impact
North Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Erin’s Approach
Tropical Storm Erin Expected to Strengthen into a Hurricane
Tropical Storm Erin Gaining Strength Threatens Outer Banks
Hazardous Beach Conditions Issued for Outer Banks
High Risk of Life-Threatening Rip Currents in Outer Banks
East Coast Beaches Face Dangerous Swimming Conditions
Additional Resources
- WAVY: NC 12 and Historic Sites Closed Due to Hurricane Erin
- CBS News: Photos of Homes Near Collapse in Rodanthe
- Star News Online: Erosion and Hurricane Erin’s Impacts in Wilmington
- Newsweek: Hurricane Erin in North Carolina
- CBS17: Video of Homes Near Collapse on Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin (2023)
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Erin Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Google News: Hurricane Erin
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
