Buxton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary An unoccupied home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 12th collapse in five years due to ongoing beach erosion and coastal storms. Visitors are advised to avoid the area due to debris and potential hazards. Local officials are considering the relocation of homes at risk along the coast, as a report highlights the precarious nature of properties now situated in vulnerable zones. Buxton An unoccupied home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. This incident, which occurred along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, marks the 12th house collapse in the past five years as reported by the National Park Service (NPS). The collapses are attributed to ongoing beach erosion exacerbated by coastal storms. NPS warns visitors to stay away from the beach near the collapse site due to the presence of debris from the collapsed home, which remains in the area. Additionally, visitors are urged to avoid the north end of Rodanthe because nearby oceanfront homes are similarly threatened. The most recent collapse happened following a coastal storm that affected the Outer Banks with heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. The previous 11 collapses primarily occurred in the village of Rodanthe. The house that collapsed in Buxton was specifically located at 46227 Tower Circle Road. Staff from Cape Hatteras National Seashore are involved in cleaning the beach south of the collapse site. Homeowners are advised by the NPS to consider relocation due to the precarious nature of their properties, which are now situated in an intertidal zone that was once dry dunes. The vulnerability of homes is not only due to daily coastal erosion but also heightened during coastal storms. A report detailing the situation was submitted by the NPS to Congress in December 2024, with a similar report released earlier that summer by the state. Efforts are ongoing to safeguard the area using funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which aims to legally purchase and demolish threatened properties. Local officials indicated that there are approximately 40 homes in the area at risk, with 4 to 5 appearing particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, debris from collapsed homes can scatter for miles along the beach, posing hazards to beachgoers. While beach nourishment efforts are implemented, they are viewed as temporary and expensive solutions. Ongoing discussions highlight the need for long-term solutions for the affected areas. Key Details 12th home collapse in five years. Collapse occurred at 46227 Tower Circle Road in Buxton. Coastal storms linked to increased erosion. Advisory to avoid danger zones near collapsed areas. Approximately 40 homes in danger, 4 to 5 particularly vulnerable. Conclusion With the increasing number of collapses and the impact of ongoing coastal erosion, the situation remains a concern for residents and local officials, who are considering more sustainable methods to protect properties along the vulnerable coast of the Outer Banks. Frequently Asked Questions What happened in Buxton, North Carolina? An unoccupied home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. How many house collapses have occurred along the Outer Banks in five years? This incident marks the 12th house collapse in the past five years as reported by the National Park Service (NPS). What caused the house collapse? The collapses are attributed to ongoing beach erosion exacerbated by coastal storms. What precautions are being taken for beachgoers? NPS warns visitors to stay away from the beach near the collapse site to avoid debris. How many homes are at risk in the area? Local officials indicated that approximately 40 homes in the area are at risk, with 4 to 5 appearing particularly vulnerable. What are some long-term considerations for the affected homes? Homeowners are encouraged by the NPS to consider relocation due to the precarious nature of their properties. Key Features Summary Feature Description Location Buxton, North Carolina Collapse Count 12th house collapse in five years Cause of Collapse Ongoing beach erosion and storms Risk to Homes Approximately 40 homes, with 4 to 5 particularly vulnerable Visitor Advisory Avoid areas near the collapse site and Rodanthe Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Beachfront Home Collapse Highlights Erosion Issues in Buxton 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 12th House Collapse in Buxton, NC Highlights Coastal Safety Risks Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market Housing Survey Launched for Outer Banks Workers Additional Resources Fox Weather: 12th Home Collapses at Cape Hatteras ABC News: Beachfront Stilt House Collapses WRAL: Home Collapse at NC Coast The Coastland Times: Oceanfront House Collapse in Buxton WTKR: 12th Home Collapses into the Ocean in Buxton Wikipedia: Cape Hatteras Google Search: Buxton North Carolina house collapse Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion North Carolina Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks Google News: North Carolina storms 2025
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.
