A powerful nor’easter is tearing into North Carolina’s Outer Banks, closing NC 12 and battering the coastline with massive surf – now officially America’s first Atlantic nor’easter of the season.
The storm has already caused coastal flooding, severe erosion and dune damage. It is also disrupting a major beach nourishment project.
Waves near the Outer Banks could reach 15 to 18 feet offshore, while wind gusts may hit 40 to 50 mph.
Earlier tonight, NCDOT closed NC 12 between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe. Ocean overwash breached dunes near the Pea Island Visitor Center.
A large crack also developed in the highway near Pea Island. Officials urged drivers to avoid the affected stretch.
The damage adds another expensive chapter for NC 12, the Outer Banks’ critical transportation route.
Maintaining the vulnerable highway has cost roughly $70 million over the past decade.
Meanwhile, the storm has stalled a $42 million beach nourishment project in Buxton.
Crews had already placed about 1.8 million cubic yards of sand before conditions deteriorated. The full project calls for roughly 2 million cubic yards.
Contractors moved equipment away from the shoreline and temporarily halted work.
Dare County accelerated the project because erosion was advancing faster than previously expected.
Officials say it remains too early to determine how much of the new shoreline may have been lost.
The storm is also bringing dangerous surf and coastal flooding farther up the East Coast.
For the Outer Banks, repeated high tides remain a major concern as strong northeast winds continue pushing water toward shore.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to check road conditions before traveling through affected areas.
