View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AccuWeather (@accuweather)

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, a thin line of islands representing the easternmost part of the state, are hit by multiple nor'easters and hurricanes every year, leading to oceanfront homes collapsing into the sea and causing millions of dollars to be spent on maintaining Highway 12, which runs along the islands.

Storms don't even have to be particularly close or strong to wreak havoc on the Outer Banks. Hurricane Joaquin in 2015 tracked more than 500 miles east of Hatteras, North Carolina, but waves and surge from the storm still caused $2.3 million (USD 2015). Hurricane Erin, at half that distance, caused waves and coastal flooding that closed Highway 12 for three days in mid-August.

Highway 12 has cost $43

See Full Page