Some Outer Banks Communities Still Struggling
Much of the Outer Banks (OBX) is open for business, and tourists will hopefully flock there this Labor Day Weekend. But parts remain crippled from Irene. For the OBX, the harshest hazard was sound-side flooding, which the Outer Banks Voice comments was missed by larger news outlets. Winds over the vast Pamlico and Albemarle sounds created a 3-7 ft surge, and waves up to 5 ft would have been superimposed on this. The resulting conditions submerged cars, grounded boats and destroyed homes, including the well-known Stinson’s Ranch (see ABC news). Also, new inlets were cut, severing the island supply line. The status of HWY 12 and before-after comparisons can be found at a NC DOT site, but options are being figured out now. The slow recovery of Hatteras Island and other areas is described by the Island Free Press.
