Surf rushes into Buxton, dunes washed away as Outer Banks flooding worsens; spotlight on home at risk of collapse

BUXTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Surf is rushing into an Outer Banks community on Hatteras Island Sunday as the impacts from a nor’easter shows a home threatened by waves and there are more flooded areas of N.C. 12 along the North Carolina coast.

By 11 a.m. Sunday, ocean waves could be seen surging into Buxton and at least one home appeared close to collapsing into the sea — just as 10 others have at the Outer Banks since mid-September.

Meanwhile, a section of N.C. 12 north of Saturday’s trouble spots had dunes completely washed away and surf was covering the road in the area of the Canal Zone south of Oregon Inlet.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced a new closure of the highway from the Marc Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office warned that the road in Buxton was “passable,” but it would get worse as high tide approaches — just before 3 p.m.

“Please use caution when traveling in this area,” Dare County deputies said.

Photos from the Associated Press on Sunday showed a large home in Buxton surrounded by waves. The large green house already has damage to exterior decks — and could face a test to remain standing as high tide approaches Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service reported flooding was spreading south into Carteret County with levels nearly 4 feet above normal in an area three miles southeast of Great Neck.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore also warned people to stay away from beaches in Rodanthe and south of Buxton.

“Wooden building debris and septic system components have been observed this morning on area beaches,” the National Park Service said.