Researchers said at a rate of around four millimeters per year, rising sea levels from climate change are speeding up that process. "And this is not a new problem along the Outer Banks."
"It’s not just sea level rise, but we’re also dealing with shoreline erosion," Corbett said. An NOAA map shows that with waters expected to creep up by three feet in the next 50 years, much of the land in the northern Outer Banks could be swallowed by the Atlantic. Corbett said that if you look at old images of the region, you'll see where roads have been pushed back further inland multiple times because of erosion. Evacuations are common during hurricane season, when residents seek higher ground.Ī simulation viewer from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that even a slight rise in sea levels could put some waterfront areas under water. WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said we could see our first hurricane in May, despite the fact that Hurricane season doesn't begin until June 1. Wave heights on Wednesday were abnormally high on the coast. "You know, the effects of sea level rise and climate change I think are playing out in a real world scenario." "I think it speaks to the increased vulnerability of the Outer Banks as a barrier island," said Kevin Zorc, who lived on the Outer Banks for 40 years. As barrier islands, sand shifts naturally in the Outer Banks, constantly moving the water line and placing homes at risk. "We see the effects today, we can use that and use the experiences that we have today to try and understand and come up with a plan moving forward to create a more resilient community for us and many communities around the globe."Ĭorbett says the Outer Banks barrier islands themselves are not fragile, however, the infrastructure we put on them is, forcing residents to adapt. Beach communities around the world are looking at a future where they'll have to manage the effects of climate change. Reide Corbett of the Coastal Studies Institute says this kind of erosion is nothing new on the Outer Banks. Waterfront homes and livelihoods are especially vulnerable, as is the area's penchant for attracting tourists.ĭr. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.The state has long championed its coastline for its natural beauty and scenic views, but between factors like rising sea levels, hurricanes and beach erosion, the environment is a valid concern for people trying to build a life there. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Outer Banks Pier. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. The lowest sea temperatures at Outer Banks Pier at the beginning of March are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.Īctual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Outer Banks Pier can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. Year round warm sea temperatures at Outer Banks Pier climb to their maximum in late July. Outer Banks Pier sea temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28☌ (79 to 82☏) on around the 25th of July and are at their lowest on about the 1st of March, in the range 12 to 17☌ (54 to 63☏). We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.Īll of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Outer Banks Pier.