Outer Banks homes at risk as erosion and king tides worsen

In Rodanthe, North Carolina, homes are facing imminent danger due to severe erosion and king tides, with seven houses collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean over the past four years. Residents like Sharon Troy, who has owned her oceanfront home for 16 years, express frustration as their properties have drastically changed, with the beach that once protected them now eroded away. Troy highlights the challenges of moving her home, as insurance companies only respond after a collapse occurs. The situation has led to significant cleanup efforts, with debris such as planks of wood and rusty nails scattered across the beach. Local contractors have been hired to demolish homes at risk of falling into the ocean, as the area has transformed from a beachside community to one where streets are flooded with saltwater. The former GA Kohler Street is now just a pile of sand, illustrating the rapid changes in the landscape. Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent Dave Hallac notes that climate change is worsening the natural erosion rates of barrier islands, exacerbating the risks to structures in the area. Rising water levels contribute to the severity of the situation, making it increasingly difficult for residents to manage the consequences of their homes being at risk. As the community grapples with these challenges, the future of Rodanthe's beachfront homes remains uncertain. The combination of natural forces and climate change has created a precarious environment, leaving residents to ponder their next steps as they face the reality of their homes potentially collapsing into the ocean.