The once serene Outer Banks faced destruction as a coastal storm caused severe flooding and home risks.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesOn September 17, 2024, a powerful coastal storm hit the Outer Banks, causing over 15 inches of rain in Corolla and triggering flash floods. With heightened risks for homes in Rodanthe and widespread traffic disruptions, local authorities declared a state of emergency. Residents face ongoing concerns about erosion and property safety as community efforts focus on recovery amidst adverse weather conditions.
The serene beauty of the Outer Banks was dramatically interrupted on September 17, 2024, as a fierce coastal storm unleashed its fury, pouring more than 15 inches of rain in Corolla. This unexpected deluge led to flash floods that wreaked havoc across Dare, Currituck, and Camden counties, leaving many residents in a state of shock and concern.
With rain lashing down at a ferocious pace, it wasn’t long before flash flood warnings were issued, particularly for northeastern Dare County, which includes popular spots like Duck and Southern Shores. As the storm escalated, authorities were on high alert, redirecting traffic around inundated areas. Both lanes of NC 12 near the Sanderling Inn were initially impassable but reopened by 10 p.m., though concerns lingered about standing water on the roads.
In a creative response to the weather, police even led traffic through the parking lot of Kimball’s Kitchen! Safety warnings were in abundance as police advised motorists to exercise caution due to hazardous conditions on the roads, emphasizing that water was still an issue in many areas.
Local authorities have expressed significant concern for homes in Rodanthe, which are at a heightened risk of collapse due to the high rainfall. There were no immediate reports of collapses on that fateful day, but with so many areas in the Outer Banks getting at least half a foot of rain, the danger was palpable. Sadly, Rodanthe has a recent history of structural failures, with several homes lost to the ocean over the past few years due to increasingly severe erosion.
The situation grew more dire because of the coinciding King Tides, which, paired with the storm, resulted in rising ocean levels. This was particularly reflected in reports that up to five homes lost their stairs, all to the relentless tide.
With conditions perilous both on land and sea, double red flags were posted along all beaches from Duck to Ocracoke, outright prohibiting swimming. The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for areas south of Ocracoke Inlet, forecasting wind gusts of between 40 and 50 mph. It’s safe to say that beachgoers were urged to stay out of the water until the storm passed and the ocean settled down.
In light of the storm’s devastating effects, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the affected areas. This declaration is a necessary step to ensure that resources can be mobilized quickly to assist those in need. Schools in Cape Hatteras even announced a two-hour delay, prioritizing safety while the community navigates through the aftermath of flooding threats.
As residents begin to assess the damage, they share a collective sense of sorrow about the ongoing coastal erosion. The dunes, once robust guardians of the coastline, have significantly diminished over the years, raising serious concerns about their future. With forecasts still uncertain and a flood watch in effect for much of central and eastern North Carolina, many are left anxiously awaiting potential further impacts from ongoing weather patterns.
Even as the storm passed, its echoes will linger in the memories of Outer Banks residents. Homeowners voiced their concerns about their properties and the natural beauty that surrounds them, reflecting on how the landscape continues to change due to nature’s unpredictability. Just this month, Rodanthe faced another heart-wrenching incident as one house fell to the ocean added to a troubling trend of several homes being claimed by the relentless sea in recent years.
As cleanup begins and the community bands together in the face of adversity, the Outer Banks stands resilient, ready to face whatever challenges Mother Nature brings next. With resources and support in motion, the hope remains high that these beloved coastal communities will emerge stronger from this storm.
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