Hurricane Erin Sends Massive Waves Crashing Into North Carolina Beach Homes

Hurricane Erin’s massive waves and storm surge are pounding the Atlantic coastline, bringing flooding, erosion, and dangerous surf conditions from Florida to New England. The Outer Banks of North Carolina are being hit especially hard, where several beach houses are at risk of collapsing into the ocean as waves eat away at protective dunes and wash water beneath foundations.

Outer Banks Under Siege

Near the Outer Banks, waves have built to nearly 20 feet high, flooding roads and carving into the coastline. Highway 12, the main roadway connecting many communities along the barrier islands, has been forced to close after being overwhelmed by water and sand. With access cut off in multiple areas, residents who chose not to evacuate are now sheltering in place, waiting for conditions to improve.

Emergency officials warn that even when Erin’s center remains offshore, its wide wind field is capable of pushing huge volumes of water toward the coast, creating storm surge flooding, coastal inundation, and rapid erosion. Some beach homes are now standing on exposed pilings, with waves breaking directly beneath them.

Beaches Closed Across the East Coast