North Carolina's Outer Banks Face Imminent Isolation as Hurricane Erin's Towering Waves Loom Large
The Outer Banks, a series of sand dunes off mainland North Carolina, are a unique and captivating region, known to locals and visitors alike as OBX. This shorthand is a source of pride, reflected in the state's license plates, and the area's allure is undeniable, drawing many to call it home.
However, living in the Outer Banks comes with its own set of challenges. The main highway, NC 12, serves as the lifeline connecting the islands to the rest of the world. Yet, it is a thin ribbon of highway that has been severely damaged multiple times by storms, with restoration efforts typically taking several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the damage.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has spent more than $1 million per year on regular maintenance of NC 12 during the 2010s, and approximately $50 million on repairs after storms. Despite these significant costs, the road continues to face threats, with Nor'easters taking days to reopen the highway even after routine storms.
The Outer Banks' isolation contributes to a strong sense of community. When their connection to the outside world is severed, people often band together, supporting each other through the challenges posed by the elements. Shelli Miller Gates, a respiratory therapist, is one such resident who has embraced this lifestyle. Falling in love with the Outer Banks as a college student, she believes that everyone should find a place that feels like home, despite the potential risks and challenges.
The Outer Banks are threatened by rising ocean levels due to planetary warming and melting polar ice. In recent years, this threat has become increasingly apparent, with vulnerable spots on the islands weakening. The Coastal Studies Institute, a group of several universities that study the Outer Banks, has noted this trend.
The towns of Rodanthe and Hatteras, for instance, have seen more than a dozen homes swallowed by the ocean since 2020. If the waves from Hurricane Erin, forecast to send waves 20 feet or greater crashing over vulnerable sand dunes, are as strong as predicted, at least two unoccupied houses are likely to be lost.
Officials have ordered evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands due to the threat posed by Hurricane Erin. South of Hatteras Island is Ocracoke Island, which can only be accessed by boat or plane. Despite these challenges, the resilient spirit of the Outer Banks' community remains unbroken.
To the east of the Outer Banks lies the vast Atlantic Ocean, and to the west is the Pamlico Sound. South of the Oregon Inlet is Hatteras Island, which is connected to the mainland by NC 12. The most populated and built-up part of the Outer Banks is in the north around Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills.
Despite the risks and challenges, the allure of living in the Outer Banks, where others just visit, is a significant draw for many residents. Whether it's the community spirit, the stunning natural beauty, or the unique lifestyle, the Outer Banks continues to captivate and inspire those who call it home.
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