Rodanthe, North Carolina, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Two beachfront homes in Rodanthe, North Carolina, are on the verge of collapse due to Hurricane Erin’s powerful winds and ongoing coastal erosion. The area has witnessed the loss of nearly a dozen homes since 2020, with experts warning about the unsustainable nature of construction on barrier islands. A state of emergency is in effect, mandating evacuations for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke as waves are expected to reach heights of 10 to 20 feet, posing significant hazards to the coastal communities.
Rodanthe, North Carolina – Two beachfront homes in Rodanthe are on the brink of collapse due to the intense waves and winds generated by Hurricane Erin. This storm has exacerbated the ongoing issue of coastal erosion affecting the area, with nearly a dozen neighboring homes having already fallen into the Atlantic Ocean since 2020. Recent photos illustrate the precarious state of these homes, some of which are propped up by wooden beams while appearing increasingly unstable under the relentless pressure of the water.
The National Park Service has warned that the homes’ location along the coastline places them at constant risk of collapse. Many properties in the Outer Banks were built on land that has since become regularly submerged, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. Experts have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of such developments, stating that barrier islands like the Outer Banks are not suitable for construction due to their inherently dynamic nature.
Over the past five years, at least 11 houses have collapsed in Rodanthe, with three succumbing to erosion within just one week in September 2024. As rising water levels threaten numerous structures, it has been reported that about 750 of the nearly 8,800 oceanfront properties in North Carolina are at risk due to erosion, with some areas of the Outer Banks losing between 10 to 15 feet of beachfront annually.
Impact of Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin, which has winds reaching up to 130 mph, is currently located approximately 100 miles off the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the eastern Bahamas. The outer bands of the hurricane have already brought strong winds and waves to the Outer Banks, leading to significant beach erosion as well as temporary road closures.
In light of the impending dangers, a local state of emergency has been declared, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for visitors on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. Emergency officials caution that major flooding could render Highway 12 impassable, posing further risks for the already-threatened communities. The National Weather Service has specifically warned of dangerous rip currents and rough seas that could affect beachgoers along the East Coast.
With waves expected to reach heights of 10 to 20 feet, peak conditions are anticipated to span Wednesday and Thursday, creating further hazards for the coastal region. Emergency services on Hatteras Island may have to halt operations if flooding occurs along critical access roads.
Local Challenges and Concerns
Residents, including those who own businesses such as motels, express growing fears over the coastal erosion increasingly threatening their property. The narrow strip of land that makes up Rodanthe, which is home to roughly 200 residents, extends into the Atlantic Ocean further than any other area in North Carolina, exposing inhabitants to significant natural risks.
In summary, the continuing threat posed by Hurricane Erin, coupled with the ongoing challenges of coastal erosion, necessitates proactive measures from local authorities and affected residents to address the impending environmental crisis along the Outer Banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the collapse of homes in Rodanthe?
The collapse of homes in Rodanthe is primarily due to the combined effects of Hurricane Erin’s strong waves and ongoing coastal erosion, which has led to the loss of significant beachfront and the destabilization of buildings.
How many homes have fallen into the ocean in recent years?
Since 2020, nearly a dozen homes in the Outer Banks area have succumbed to coastal erosion, with at least 11 homes collapsing in Rodanthe alone over the past five years.
What are the evacuation orders in place due to Hurricane Erin?
A local state of emergency has been declared, with mandatory evacuation orders issued for visitors in Hatteras Island and Ocracoke due to anticipated coastal flooding from Hurricane Erin. Residents and visitors are advised to take serious precautions.
What are the expected wave heights from Hurricane Erin?
Waves due to Hurricane Erin are expected to reach heights between 10 to 20 feet, with particularly severe conditions anticipated later in the week.
Key Features of the Rodanthe Crisis
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Homes at Risk | Two beachfront homes near collapse, many others previously lost. |
| Hurricane Impact | Hurricane Erin brings potential destruction with 130 mph winds. |
| Evacuations | Mandatory evacuations for Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. |
| Erosion Rate | Some areas losing 10 to 15 feet of beachfront annually. |
| Emergency Response | State of emergency and warnings for potential flooding. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Erin Upgraded to Category 2, State of Emergency Declared in North Carolina
Hurricane Erin Approaches North Carolina Coast with Dangerous Conditions
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Acquires Oceanfront Properties
Outer Banks Faces Housing Crisis as Restaurant Workers Struggle
Another Beach House Crumbles in Rodanthe
Heightened Erosion Crisis in Rodanthe: Homes Disappearing Into the Atlantic
Wanchese Residents Prepare for Stormy Weather
Rodanthe, North Carolina Faces Severe Erosion Crisis
Homes in Rodanthe Collapse Due to Coastal Erosion
Rodanthe Faces Growing Crisis as Erosion Claims Another Home
Additional Resources
- AP News: North Carolina Outer Banks Flooding Hurricane Erin
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Erin
- CNN: Hurricane Erin Impacts and Tracking
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin impacts
- USA Today: Hurricane Erin Updates and Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Erin 2025
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.
