Coastal Communities Hit Hard by Severe Weather in Outer Banks, NC
Situated along the stunning shores of North Carolina, the Outer Banks faced quite a challenge this week as a coastal storm swept through the area, transforming beautiful beaches into waterlogged landscapes. On Tuesday, communities like Corolla experienced incredible rainfall, with over 15 inches accumulating in some spots. Other affected areas also saw more than six inches of rain, leading to serious flash flooding in Dare, Currituck, and Camden counties.
Rainfall and Road Conditions
By the evening, authorities finally managed to keep the lanes of NC 12 open and safe for travel near the Sanderling Inn in Duck, after a day’s worth of high waters rendered the roads impassable. At one point, police had to redirect traffic through the parking lot of Kimball’s Kitchen, a temporary fix that offered little comfort to those affected.
The town of Duck issued reminders for those driving through the area, cautioning that standing water was still lingering on some roads. Most of the Outer Banks faced significant flooding, and early reports raised concerns for the stability of homes in Rodanthe teetering on the edge of collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Warnings and Advisories
The Chief Meteorologist, Jeff Edmondson, advised against any travel north of the Outer Banks, as many roads were covered with deep waters, complicating any potential trips. Flash flood warnings were issued for northeastern Dare County, including the towns of Duck and Southern Shores, as continuous thunderstorms dropped torrents of rain across the region.
In Currituck County, extensive flash flooding presented life-threatening conditions for local residents, with rainfall amounts peaking at over 1.5 inches per hour at times. To put things in perspective, double red flags marked all beaches from Duck down to Ocracoke—swimming was off the table for safety reasons as rip currents churned along the coast.
Potential Tropical Cyclone and Expected Impacts
Add to that mix, a tropical storm warning was in effect along the coast, with wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph anticipated in some areas due to unstable atmospheric conditions. Officials were particularly watchful of a low-pressure system bringing along the king tides, which caused even higher water levels thanks to the full moon’s proximity to our planet.
Heavy rainfall impacted various parts of the Outer Banks, leaving some regions underwater. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore even announced a temporary closure of NC 12 on the northern end of Ocracoke due to safety concerns arising from the rains and ocean overwash.
Responses and Community Impact
As the storm continued, some local schools, such as Cape Hatteras Elementary and Secondary, announced a two-hour delay in classes due to fears of coastal flooding in low-lying areas. Secondary roads in Rodanthe were submerged under ocean overwash, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation diligently worked to clear roads as water levels dropped.
In Rodanthe, stories about homes at risk of being claimed by the sea have become all too common. Just last month, a home fell victim to the relentless waves stirred up by Hurricane Ernesto. In the past four years alone, seven homes have met similar fates. Dave Hallac, Superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, stated he was keeping a keen eye on Rodanthe as circumstances evolve.
Community Memories and Reflections
For residents and visitors alike, the changing landscape has stirred emotions. As Glenn Maurer from Pennsylvania poignantly said, “Mother Nature is coming to take it back.” Julie Wilkerson, a regular visitor from Chesapeake, reflected on the rapid changes she’s witnessed over the years. “The dunes used to be three or four stories high,” she noted. “Now, it’s kind of wasting away. It’s really sad.”
While the storm has certainly left its mark on the Outer Banks, local communities are coming together to support one another during these challenging times. With a flood watch remaining in effect for much of central and eastern North Carolina, residents are bracing themselves as they continue to navigate through the aftermath of this fierce coastal storm.
