Though the recent system to blow up the coastline caused mainly heavy rain on the Outer Banks, a number of locals and visitors were concerned about the survival of the Shelly Island sandbar.
Photos surfaced on social media that showed the sandbar virtually underwater with rough surf and waves crashing over the skinny island off the Point.
But the Shelly Island sandbar remained intact as of Wednesday morning, although even at low tide, the channel that separates the sandbar from Cape Point was deeper and slightly wider than just a few days prior.
Swells generated by this recent disturbance may affect Hatteras and Ocracoke Island during the next day or so, creating potentially dangerous surf and rip current conditions. Beachgoers are advised to pay attention to rip current forecasts for the next several days and to use caution as needed.
The Shelly Island sandbar popped up along the coastline earlier in the spring of 2017 and has been a popular summertime attraction ever since. The “new island” has drawn the attention of major news outlets, including CBS and ABC, which both visited and broadcasted from the site.
In local circles, it’s known for its exceptional shelling and unique formation – extending roughly a mile long, and circling around Cape Point.
Though the swift and deep current of the channel kept visitors away from the sandbar on Wednesday morning, with surf and rip current conditions expected to improve in the next few days, it’s likely that Shelly Island sandbar will be back in business soon.
