You are here

Home » Battling The Ocean At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Battling The Ocean At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Share
By NPT Staff - October 4th, 2022

A relatively thin wall of sand keeps the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina 12 on the Outer Banks of North Carolina/NCDOT

Barrier islands by their very nature are susceptible to the whims of oceans, and at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina it's an ongoing battle, as these photos released Monday from the North Carolina Department of Transportation show.

Moving sand from one side of North Carolina 12 to the other/NCDOT

Keeping North Caroline 12 open is key to the economic health of the small towns that depend on the tourism drawn by the national seashore, and it's not always easy to keep it open. This week the national seashore staff warned that it expects to see major to moderate oceanside flooding, ocean overwash on some beaches and roads, soundside flooding, gusty winds and dangerous rip currents into Wednesday.

On Monday, the Department of Transportation said North Carolina 12 was open, but urged motorists to "drive with EXTREME CAUTION as there is sand and water on the road, windy conditions and road crews working."

Barrier islands shift about as the ocean waters pound the sand upon which they're built. As a result, they can thin out, expand, or vanish depending on the ocean's behavior.

Barrier beaches and spits are constantly raised up, shifted, and torn down by the natural ebb and flow of waves, currents, winds, and tides. Storms can reshape them abruptly and dramatically. Hooks form, inlets open and close, and beaches slowly march across their back bays and lagoons toward the mainland, as if seeking shelter from the full force of the ocean. This process allows them to naturally march upwards as sea levels rise. -- NOAA

Despite the best efforts by the DOT crews, the ocean won this battle Monday.

The winds and tides caused serious overwash in several locations and forced closure of the highway between Oregon Inlet and the Rodanthe Roundabout/NCDOT

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.