Beachfront House in Outer Banks Owned by Pennsylvania Residents Washes Away
Rodanthe, North Carolina — A beachfront house in the picturesque Outer Banks has been dramatically washed away by the relentless ocean waves, leaving behind a scene of debris and disbelief. The property, located on East Corbina Drive in Rodanthe, was owned by a couple from Hershey, Pennsylvania, who had used it as a vacation rental earlier in the summer.
Hurricane Ernesto Strikes
On August 16, reports surfaced detailing the destruction caused by Hurricane Ernesto, which unleashed powerful swells onto the East Coast. Eyewitnesses shared shocking videos on social media, showing the home being engulfed by the ocean. The house was reportedly empty at the time, and thankfully, there were no injuries associated with this incident.
Debris and Cleanup Efforts
Following the incident, a vast debris field strewn with remnants of the house, including wood and other materials, was left along the beach. Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue cautioned the public via social media, urging residents and visitors to stay away from the ocean due to hazardous debris breaking free from the wreckage. “Please do not enter the ocean as the debris will be washing around for the next few days. Cleanup efforts will be announced by park service,” the post read.
Historical Context
A spokesperson from Cape Hatteras National Seashore confirmed that this incident marks the seventh home lost to the ocean in the past four years. Debris from the washed-away house was reportedly found as far as 11 miles north of its original site, indicating the sheer force of the ocean’s currents.
According to property records, the lost home was constructed in 1973, and it remains unclear who will be responsible for the cleanup efforts that will follow this unfortunate event.
Community Impact
This shocking loss serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with coastal living, especially in areas prone to severe weather. Communities in the Outer Banks continue to rally together in the face of nature’s unpredictability, but many are left wondering about the long-term consequences for homeowners and vacationers alike.
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.
