Park Service Advises Caution on East-Facing Beaches Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials have issued a warning to visitors using its east-facing beaches, urging them to exercise caution through Saturday due to persistent northeast winds and breaking waves that could lead to coastal erosion and damage to beach houses. The advisory, released late Tuesday afternoon, highlights the potential risks posed by the weather conditions, which are expected to persist over the coming days. The National Weather Service has forecasted strong winds, dangerous rip currents, and longshore currents along much of the beaches stretching from Duck to Cape Lookout, as well as portions of Onslow County. These conditions are anticipated to create waves in the surf zone that could reach up to 8 feet in height at times. The National Park Service emphasized that these factors could contribute to the partial or full collapse of one or more threatened oceanfront structures in the areas of Buxton and Rodanthe. In the advisory, officials stated that the presence of these vulnerable structures near the oceanfront poses a serious risk to visitors. They warned that walking along the beach or wading in the surf could expose individuals to life-threatening dangers. The closure of Buxton’s entire beachfront was also reiterated, as the structures are considered a public safety hazard. The National Park Service noted that a public safety closure remains in place for a stretch of beach extending from the south end of Buxton to just north of off-road vehicle ramp 43. The advisory underscores the need for visitors to avoid areas where structures are at risk of collapse.#national_weather_service #buxton #rodanthe #cape_hatteras_national_seashore #cape_lookout
Threat of More Oceanfront Homes Collapsing Closes Portion of Outer Banks Beach Cape Hatteras National Seashore has implemented partial closures of beaches along the Outer Banks due to the escalating risk of collapse for oceanfront homes in the Buxton and Rodanthe areas. The decision follows concerns over coastal erosion threatening structures and posing dangers to visitors. The closures are in effect through Saturday, April 11, as officials advise caution for those accessing east-facing beaches. The agency announced the closure of the entire beachfront in front of Buxton’s village, citing the proximity of buildings to seashore lands as a significant hazard. A Facebook post from Cape Hatteras National Seashore emphasized that the risk extends to visitors walking along the shoreline or wading in the surf, highlighting the potential for structural failures. Additionally, a stretch of beach from the southern end of Buxton to just north of off-road vehicle ramp 43 is also closed. The closures are part of ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with coastal erosion, a persistent issue in the region. Since 2020, 31 homes have collapsed into the ocean at Cape Hatteras, underscoring the severity of the problem. These incidents have prompted repeated warnings from authorities about the instability of oceanfront properties and the need for public vigilance. The National Seashore’s actions reflect a broader pattern of infrastructure challenges linked to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. While the closures limit access to certain areas, they aim to prevent accidents and ensure visitor safety. Officials have not provided specific timelines for when the closures will be lifted, but they have reiterated the importance of heeding advisories until the risk is fully assessed.#cape_hatteras_national_seashore #outer_banks #buxton #rodanthe #coastal_erosion
