Carolina Beach, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Carolina Beach is experiencing heightened flood risks influenced by recent supermoon tides and climate change. Despite sunny weather, residents are facing flooded streets, especially in vulnerable areas like Canal Drive and Florida Avenue, prompting urgent concerns over rising sea levels and environmental impacts.
Carolina Beach Faces Increasing Flood Risks as ‘Supermoon Tides’ and Climate Change Contribute to Coastal Flooding
Carolina Beach is grappling with heightened flood risks, significantly influenced by recent high tides linked to supermoon events and ongoing climate change. Despite experiencing sunny weather on Wednesday morning, residents encountered flooded streets as a result of these unusual tides.
The flooding situation has been exacerbated by high ‘supermoon tides’, occurring when a full moon coincides with the lunar perigee, bringing the moon closest to Earth. The Town of Carolina Beach has issued warnings stating that the risk of flooding will continue until September 20, 2025. Areas particularly vulnerable to rising waters include Canal Drive, Florida Avenue, Winner Avenue, and Carolina Beach Avenue North, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and precaution among local residents.
Additionally, flooding is also expected in neighboring Carteret County, as highlighted by information from the Sunny Day Flooding Project. As observed through traffic cameras positioned at the intersections of Starfish Lane and Clam Shell Lane on Canal Drive, flooding occurred between 9 and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, highlighting the impacts of these extraordinary tidal events on everyday life.
Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable uptick in flood days along the East Coast. Wilmington, located close to Carolina Beach, recorded merely 10 flood days between 1920 and 2000. In sharp contrast, the last ten years alone have seen this number rise to over 55 flood days. A report from NASA attributes the increasing coastal flood risks to rising sea levels, primarily caused by climate change and land subsidence.
In the last year, Carolina Beach experienced saltwater intrusion on its streets for more than 60 days, consistent with broader patterns of flooding along the coast, where some areas are now facing road flooding approximately one day in three. Recent research revealed that Carolina Beach had recorded a total of 65 flood days, while neighboring communities like Beaufort and Sea Level noted 26 and 128 flood days respectively. These unprecedented conditions are significantly disrupting daily activities and are raising concerns about environmental pollution.
The financial implications of the flooding phenomenon are considerable. Estimated costs for flood defense measures, including a bulkhead project, run around $4 million, while comprehensive flood defenses could exceed $20 million. Projections indicate a rise of approximately 3 inches in sea level by 2030 and a foot by the years 2050-2070, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures.
To mitigate the impact of increasing flood days, coastal communities like Carolina Beach must consider a range of adaptive strategies. These could include maintaining one-way valves, constructing bulkheads, installing stormwater pumps, and elevating roadways. The escalating frequency of flooding poses not only health and safety risks but also economic challenges that can disrupt emergency responses and community services.
This rise in flooding incidents underscores the critical need for immediate action as climate change continues to intensify conditions along the coast. The community must prioritize resilience strategies to manage this growing threat effectively.
FAQ
What are ‘supermoon tides’?
Supermoon tides occur when a full moon aligns with lunar perigee, causing higher tidal ranges due to the moon’s proximity to Earth.
How many flood days has Carolina Beach recorded in recent years?
In the last decade, Carolina Beach has recorded 65 flood days, a significant increase compared to previous periods.
What strategies are being proposed to combat flooding?
Proposed strategies include maintaining one-way valves, building bulkheads, installing pumps, and elevating roadways to adapt to rising water levels.
Flooding in Carolina Beach: Key Features
- Projected Sea Level Rise: Estimated increase of 3 inches by 2030 and 1 foot by 2050-2070.
- Flood Days: 65 recorded in Carolina Beach over the past decade.
- Financial Costs: An estimated $4 million for bulkhead projects and over $20 million for other defenses.
- Flood Risk Areas: Canal Drive, Florida Avenue, Winner Avenue, and Carolina Beach Avenue North.
- Environmental Impact: Flooding increases pollution and disrupts local ecosystems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Causes Devastating Flooding in Outer Banks
New Filly Born to Corolla Wild Horse Herd
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Prepare for Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin’s Impact on Sea Turtle Nests in North Carolina
Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Outer Banks Faces High Rip Current Risk as Hurricane Erin Approaches
North Carolina Tourism Struggles After Hurricane Helene
North Carolina Coast Road Reopens After Severe Flooding
Hurricane Erin Triggers Evacuations and Flood Warnings in Nags Head
Newport, North Carolina Faces Life-Threatening Rip Currents
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Carolina Beach Floods
- WECT: Carolina Beach Tidal Flooding Warning
- WRAL: Sunny Day Flooding Crisis
- Fox Weather: Coastal Flooding and Rip Currents
- Wikipedia: Climate Change Impacts
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.
