3rd home collapses on North Carolina's Outer Banks amid rising sea levels in Rodanthe
The NPS said the daily effects of wind, waves and tides, along with rising ocean levels, have played a significant role in coastal erosion along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Watch: Another home collapses on North Carolina's Outer Banks
The NPS is urging visitors to avoid the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south following an early Friday morning collapse of an unoccupied home.
RODANTHE, N.C. – A third home has collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, highlighting the ongoing threat of erosion and rising sea levels to North Carolina's Outer Banks.
The National Park Service is urging visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south following an early Friday morning collapse of an unoccupied home.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is urging its visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south, due to an early morning collapse of an unoccupied house. (Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are closely monitoring an adjacent house that sustained damage due to the collapse. The NPS has warned that dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water, leading to the temporary closures.
Visitors are urged to stay away from the beach near Rodanthe, North Carolina, following another home collapse due to erosion. (Jenni Koontz / Epic Shutter Photography)
A debris removal contractor hired by the property owner is scheduled to begin cleanup work Friday, with assistance from NPS staff.
This is the eighth house collapse along this beach in the past four years, according to the NPS. No injuries have been reported.
WATCH: HURRICANE ERNESTO’S SWELL CAUSES NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE TO COLLAPSE INTO OCEAN
In August, swells produced by Hurricane Ernesto caused at least one house to collapse along the Outer Banks. Dare County Emergency Management said the house was already at risk of collapsing well before the hurricane’s tides put the structure at risk.
When the Category 2 hurricane occurred, it was more than 1,000 miles away from the Tar Heel State. However, due to the combination of rough surf and high water levels, significant erosion and coastal flooding happened along barrier islands.
FILE – Homes battle the ocean in Rodanthe, NC
Houses along the beach in Rodanthe, NC battle the ocean after a coastal storm. Sept. 16, 2024 (Courtesy: Wes Snyder Photography)
The NPS said the daily effects of wind, waves and tides, along with rising ocean levels, have played a significant role in coastal erosion along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.