Hurricane Ernesto Wreaks Havoc in Rodanthe, North Carolina
Another Home Lost to the Ocean
RODANTHE, N.C. — Recent storms from Hurricane Ernesto have caused serious damage along the Outer Banks, most notably in Rodanthe, where at least one home has succumbed to the ocean’s relentless waves. Video footage captured by local emergency services shows a striking image of a whole house floating in the surf, surrounded by debris that now litters the beach.
Warnings Issued by Local Authorities
First responders, including the Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue, have taken to social media to warn residents and visitors against entering the ocean due to hazardous debris that may be floating nearby. “Please do not enter the ocean as the debris will be washing around for the next few days,” they cautioned.
The Collapse Trend Continues
The sight of homes collapsing into the ocean has become a disturbing trend in this area. In just the past four years, six homes have similarly collapsed in Rodanthe, posing various risks not only to community members but also to the local environment. As these homes fall victim to beach erosion, the repercussions are felt far and wide.
Efforts to Combat Erosion
In response to the ongoing issue, the Superintendent of the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras initiated a new pilot program aimed at purchasing endangered homes to prevent further losses and restore the beach. “We had to have willing sellers’ houses that were essentially in the ocean at high tide every day,” explained David Hullac from the U.S. National Park Service. “We found the money to purchase those properties, removed the houses completely, and restored the beach.”
So far, two homes have been successfully bought and demolished, with plans for additional funding from the state to expand this program. “If we went out to that location today, you wouldn’t have much to see because it would just be a beautiful beach,” Hullac added, highlighting the positive impact of removing these vulnerable structures.
Community Impact and Future Concerns
The frequency of home collapses in this environment continues to raise concerns about community safety and the future of coastal living. As Hurricane Ernesto and other storms intensify, the Outer Banks faces the challenge of adapting to a changing landscape.
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.
