‘Extensive sand loss’: Some NC beaches hit by erosion during recent storm

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The impacts from a storm that hit the North Carolina coast last week are still felt at several beaches.

After “extensive sand loss” and erosion at Emerald Isle, town leaders have banned beach driving, officials said Monday.

The Emerald Isle erosion left several “shelves” that are more than two feet high, which makes driving on the beach dangerous, according to the town of Emerald Isle.

Other areas impacted by erosion from the storm last Monday are North Topsail Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

At North Topsail Beach, photos showed sandbags with no beachfront in some areas.

One vacationer said she was told to “watch out” for high tide along the beach this past weekend. But, she said Monday about the area where she rented a condo: “So far from the truth – there is no beach.”

Emerald Isle officials first banned beach driving last week after potential tropical cyclone 8 hit parts of the North Carolina coast.

On Monday, officials said beach driving was off-limits again.

“Beach driving in Emerald Isle remains closed due to extensive sand loss and continued high tides,” town officials said. “Conditions are not safe for vehicles at this time at The Point, Black Skimmer, or the Dog Leg.”

At Wrightsville Beach, photos on social media showed severe erosion after last week’s storm.

But the United States Army Corps of Engineers told Port City Daily on Monday that recently renourished sand only had minor impacts from the storm.

Port City Daily reported most beach damage at Wrightsville Beach was north of the renourished areas.

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