USA Today — Another North Carolina home falls into Atlantic Ocean and more are at risk

An oceanfront home in Rodanthe on the Outer Banks was washed away on Monday COURTESY OF CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASON

Mar 15, 2023

By Gareth McGrath — Ocean getting too close for comfort for some Outer Banks Residents

Another home in an Outer Banks community has fallen into the Atlantic, making it the fourth home to wash away in Rodanthe in the past 13 months.

The oceanfront bungalow collapsed around noon on Monday amid heavy surf conditions.

In a release, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore said visitors should use caution when participating in recreational activities on the beach and in the ocean near the collapsed structure due to debris in and around the collapse site.

Officials warn that with climate change raising sea levels and producing stronger hurricanes, the sight of oceanfront homes disappearing into the surf will likely increase in the coming years if swift action isn't taken.

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What does this mean for Outer Banks residents?

For residents and property owners in Rodanthe, it's more bad news. The unincorporated village, which is part of the national seashore, has some of the highest erosion rates along the entire North Carolina coast. Areas near the village are frequently overwashed by high tides and during storm events, forcing N.C. 12 to shut down, sometimes for days at a time.

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