Buxton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary A beachfront home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to high waves from a coastal storm, becoming the 12th house to collapse along the Outer Banks in five years. The structure was unoccupied at the time, and debris scattered across the beach, prompting officials to advise visitors to avoid the area. The National Park Service is responding to the cleanup and addressing ongoing concerns about beach erosion, which has made many homes in the region increasingly vulnerable. Buxton, North Carolina—A beachfront home in Buxton collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday evening, marking the 12th house collapse along the Outer Banks over the past five years. The structure was unoccupied at the time of the incident, which occurred during high waves caused by a coastal storm. The collapsed house was a two-story, wood-shingled building located at the north end of Hatteras Island. The collapse scattered debris, including nail-studded remnants, across the beach. In light of this incident, Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials have urged visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water in the area near Buxton. A pre-existing beach safety closure from the north end of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43 may be expanded due to concerns regarding debris. Furthermore, visitors have been advised to steer clear of the north end of Rodanthe due to other threatened oceanfront structures. This part of the Outer Banks has been in the news frequently, primarily due to its association with novelist Nicholas Sparks, who set many of his stories in the area. Coastal storm systems have significantly impacted the Outer Banks this year, including Hurricane Erin, where many local homes were monitored but ultimately survived. Less than a mile from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse—which was also relocated inland to combat erosion—this collapsed house highlights the ongoing challenges posed by beach erosion. This erosion is cited as a primary factor contributing to the increasing number of home collapses in the area. The National Park Service (NPS) and Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff are responding to the site of the collapse to clean up debris. The homeowner is also working with contractors to remove remaining structural debris. Many homes along the Outer Banks, along with the one that collapsed, are located in intertidal zones, which are at greater risk due to daily tidal and wind actions. The NPS has submitted reports to Congress discussing coastal erosion and has partnered with Dare County to encourage homeowners to consider relocating. Additionally, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been utilized to purchase and demolish vacant properties in Rodanthe, where many similar issues have arisen. This storm system has caused significant disruptions, not only affecting homes but also leading to the temporary closure of the Basnight Bridge after a modular home blew off its trailer. The situation in Buxton exemplifies the broader challenges faced by communities along the coastline as they confront the dual threats of natural disasters and ongoing erosion. FAQs Where did the home collapse occur? A beachfront home in Buxton, North Carolina collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday evening. How many house collapses have occurred along the Outer Banks in the past five years? This incident is the 12th house collapse along the Outer Banks over the past five years. Was the house occupied at the time of the collapse? The house was unoccupied at the time of the collapse. What caused the collapse of the home? The collapse occurred during high waves caused by a coastal storm. What measures are being taken to address the debris from the collapse? Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff are responding to the collapse site to clean up the debris. The homeowner is working with a contractor to remove remaining structural debris from the collapse. Key Features of House Collapses in Buxton Feature Details Location Buxton, North Carolina Collapse Count 12th in five years Victim Status Unoccupied Cause High waves from coastal storm Debris Cleanup Conducted by NPS and contractors Background Homes increasingly vulnerable due to beach erosion Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Coastal Storm Causes Vacation Home Collapse in Buxton Buxton, North Carolina Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean 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 Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market Additional Resources ABC News: Beachfront House Collapse Wikipedia: Outer Banks Fox Weather: Home Collapse Report Google Search: Outer Banks House Collapse CNN: Buxton House Collapse Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion 13 News Now: House Collapse Coverage Google News: Buxton North Carolina The Hill: Outer Banks Home Collapse Google Scholar: Coastal Storm Impact WTKR: 12th Home Collapse Report Fox Weather: Video Coverage
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.
