Buxton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary In Buxton, North Carolina, a stilt home has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to severe erosion, marking the 12th house loss in the Outer Banks over the last five years. The unoccupied seaside structure triggered debris clean-up efforts and prompted authorities to reinforce beach safety warnings. Local landscapes are increasingly threatened by erosion exacerbated by storms, raising concerns for nearby homes. As the National Park Service considers safety closures, residents face ongoing risks posed by environmental factors. Buxton, North Carolina – A beachfront stilt home in Buxton collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon, marking the 12th house to succumb to the persistent issue of erosion along the Outer Banks in the last five years. The two-story wood-shingled house was unoccupied at the time of the collapse, which scattered debris across the beach, including remains that were still attached with nails. In response to the incident, clean-up efforts are currently underway by staff from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, who are working alongside a contractor hired by the homeowner to manage the removal of the bulk of the house structure and associated debris. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has reinforced warnings for visitors to avoid both the beach and water near Buxton due to ongoing safety concerns arising from the collapse. This latest incident adds to a troubling pattern in the region, with eleven previous home collapses reported since May 2020, primarily occurring in Rodanthe, known for its picturesque landscapes and representation in Nicholas Sparks’ novels. Local residents recently monitored two beachfront houses during Hurricane Erin, although those structures managed to withstand the storm. The collapsed home was situated less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was itself relocated 2,900 feet (884 meters) inland in 1999 due to similar erosion concerns. As a precautionary measure, the National Park Service (NPS) is considering expanding beach safety closures in Buxton, extending from the north end to off-road vehicle ramp 43, depending on assessments of the debris field. The north end of Rodanthe has also been flagged for caution due to similarly threatened oceanfront structures. An ongoing concern is the vulnerability of the Outer Banks, a thin archipelago that faces annual threats from hurricanes and coastal storms. Recent heavy rain and strong winds from a coastal storm have exacerbated the risk of collapse, contributing to this latest incident. Additionally, a separate incident led to the temporary closure of the Basnight Bridge on Monday, after a modular home was dislodged from its trailer due to high winds. The NPS has reported that several homes in Buxton and Rodanthe are now situated in an intertidal zone, rendering them susceptible to tides and continous erosion. Daily exposure to these environmental factors makes homes in these areas particularly vulnerable to damage during storms. In light of these ongoing threats, the NPS and Dare County encourage homeowners to consider relocation as a viable option to mitigate future risks and safeguard lives and property. In an effort to address the growing concerns, the NPS has also taken proactive measures by purchasing and demolishing two vacant properties in Rodanthe, utilizing funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to facilitate this process. FAQ What recent event occurred in Buxton, North Carolina? A beachfront stilt home in Buxton collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon, marking the 12th house collapse along the Outer Banks in the past five years. What were the consequences of the house collapse? The collapse littered the beach with debris, including nail-studded remnants, and initiated clean-up efforts by staff from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. How many homes have collapsed in the Outer Banks in the last five years? This incident marks the 12th house collapse along the Outer Banks in the past five years. What is currently being done to address the debris caused by the collapse? A contractor has been hired by the homeowner to remove the bulk of the remaining house structure and associated debris. Why are certain areas in Buxton and Rodanthe being monitored? The NPS has reported that certain homes in Buxton and Rodanthe are now in an intertidal zone, vulnerable to tides and erosion due to the impacts of recent storms. Key Features of the Incident Feature Description Location Buxton, North Carolina Date Tuesday afternoon Number of House Collapses 12 homes along the Outer Banks in 5 years Previous Collapses 11 other homes in Rodanthe since May 2020 Emergency Response Clean-up efforts by Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff Future Concerns Safety closures may be expanded to protect against further incidents Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Twelfth Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton Buxton House Collapse Raises Safety Concerns Updated Beach Hazards and Coastal Flood Advisory in Northern Outer Banks 12th House Collapse in Buxton, NC Highlights Coastal Safety Risks Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge Ocracoke Island Road Closure Due to Severe Weather Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean North Carolina’s Outer Banks Brace for Hurricane Erin Teenagers Arrested in Fatal Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier Homeowners in Rodanthe Face Erosion Challenges Additional Resources The Hill Wikipedia: Erosion ABC News Google Search: Outer Banks house collapse Fox Weather Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal erosion AccuWeather Google News: Outer Banks collapse Washington Post
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
