Cape Hatteras National Seashore warns visitors to avoid beach adjacent to Rodanthe due to overwash

Ocean water washes underneath a house in Rodanthe, N.C. [NPS Photo]

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) visitors should avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive until early next week, when ocean conditions are expected to improve.

Avoiding the approximately two-mile stretch of beach is recommended due to ocean overwash, rough surf and debris from nearby houses, including open and damaged septic tanks on the beach. Additionally, house moving activities are occurring on multiple properties near the beach.

Distant Hurricane Earl has produced ocean overwash on Seashore beaches since yesterday and is forecast to continue impacting beaches through this weekend.

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