House Collapses Into Ocean as Hurricane Approaches

RODANTHE, N.C. – A beach house was swept away by Hurricane Ernesto on Friday, collapsing into the sea at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The incident occurred in Rodanthe, a village known for its vulnerability to beach erosion. Eyewitness footage captured the moment of the collapse, with debris seen floating in the water and washing back onto the shore. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. This marks the seventh home to collapse in the area over the past four years, highlighting ongoing concerns about coastal erosion exacerbated by rising sea levels and severe weather. As Hurricane Ernesto approaches, officials warn that more homes in Rodanthe are at risk of collapse due to expected peak swells over the weekend. Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue urged residents and visitors to heed warnings and avoid entering the ocean, as the conditions are anticipated to worsen. The National Park Service is closely monitoring the situation, with beach access restricted to ensure public safety and to manage debris from the collapsed structure. Dare County Emergency Management reported that the house had been at risk prior to the hurricane, and the combination of high tides and rough surf has led to significant coastal flooding and erosion. North Carolina Highway 12, the main access route to the Outer Banks, has also experienced flooding, although it remains open with ongoing monitoring and protective measures in place. The National Weather Service has issued Coastal Flood and High Surf Advisories for the region, predicting inundation levels of 1 to 2 feet in low-lying areas. The public is advised to remain vigilant as similar conditions affect much of the eastern seaboard, increasing the risk of rip currents and hazardous beach conditions.