For those on the Outer Banks, the destruction was one more stark reminder of the larger force at play climate change, which is making storms more intense and sea levels higher, accelerating the erosion of beach fronts.
Local officials noted that the house was at risk of collapsing before the storm, highlighting an unfortunate reality for Rodanthe, which has lost seven homes to erosion in the last four years.
Officials warned that many more homes are at risk for damage or collapse in the coming days as Hurricane Ernesto pummels the East Coast from afar, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of coastal communities.
William Sweet noted that climate change has caused the sea level to rise by about half a foot since 2000, with an expected increase of another foot by 2050, signaling dire implications for coastal areas.
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