Buxton, North Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, an unoccupied home has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the twelfth house collapse in the Outer Banks over the past five years. The incident has reignited concerns over coastal erosion, prompting officials to advise the public to steer clear of the affected beach area due to debris. With ongoing threats to nearby structures and rising erosion rates, discussions about long-term solutions for coastal safety continue amidst immediate cleanup efforts.
Buxton, North Carolina – Home Collapses into the Atlantic
An unoccupied home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean along Tower Circle Road in Buxton, Cape Hatteras, N.C., on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. This incident marks the 12th house collapse in the Outer Banks region in the past five years, raising significant concerns about coastal erosion and home safety in the area.
The majority of previous collapses, totaling 11 homes, occurred in the village of Rodanthe, noted for its severe vulnerability to erosion. Following this latest collapse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are urging the public to avoid the beach and stay out of the water due to debris remaining from the incident. The debris field’s extent may necessitate an expansion of a pre-existing beach safety closure, currently covering the area from north of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43.
The collapsed home was a two-story, wood-shingled structure, which has left the beach littered with nail-studded debris. Clean-up efforts began almost immediately, with Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff and the homeowner’s contractor on-site to remove hazardous materials.
Local residents report that approximately 40 houses are still in the shore break, with several appearing “ready to go.” David Hallac, Superintendent of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, has noted that homes once considered safe when built away from the ocean are now increasingly threatened due to continued erosion, which can exceed 10 feet per year. This trend raises questions about the average lifespan of homes in coastal areas, especially as natural forces such as winds and tides, exacerbated by coastal storms, continue to wreak havoc.
Recent storms have also heightened concerns regarding other nearby beachfront houses, though some managed to survive this time. Notably, the most recent collapse occurred less than a mile from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was relocated 2,900 feet inland in 1999 due to similar erosion concerns.
Local experts emphasize that beach nourishment is merely a temporary fix for the ongoing issues, with discussions surrounding more permanent solutions, such as jetties, still in progress. To address the increasing threat to homes along the coast, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is collaborating with Dare County to explore options for relocating at-risk structures.
As the impacts of coastal erosion continue to challenge the safety and stability of homes in the Outer Banks, awareness and proactive measures will be crucial in protecting both property and safety for the community.
Key Statistics of Home Collapses in Outer Banks
- Total home collapses in five years: 12
- Previous collapses in Rodanthe: 11
- Distance from lighthouse of recent collapse: less than a mile
- Initial inland relocation of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: 2,900 feet
FAQs
How many homes have collapsed in the Outer Banks in the past five years?
This incident marks the 12th house collapse in the Outer Banks region in the past five years.
Where did the most recent home collapse occur?
The unoccupied home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean along Tower Circle Road in Buxton, Cape Hatteras, N.C.
How many houses in Rodanthe collapsed prior to this?
The majority of previous collapses, totaling 11 homes, occurred in the village of Rodanthe, noted for its severe vulnerability to erosion.
What are the additional safety measures being taken after the collapse?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials urged the public to avoid the beach and stay out of the water due to debris remaining from the collapse. They may also expand a pre-existing beach safety closure.
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Chart: Key Features of Recent Home Collapses in Outer Banks
| Collapse Date | Location | Number of Collapses | Distance from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Buxton, NC | 12 | Less than 1 mile |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buxton, North Carolina: Another Beachfront Home Collapses Due to Erosion
Beach House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Erosion Risk
House in Outer Banks Falls into Ocean Amid Coastal Erosion Concerns
House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, NC
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
Updated Beach Hazards and Coastal Flood Advisory in Northern Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- ABC News: Beachfront House Collapse in Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- WRAL: Home Collapse NC Coast
- Google Search: Coastal Home Collapses in Buxton
- Fox Weather: 12th Home Collapse in Cape Hatteras
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Erosion
- WAVY: Buxton Home Collapse
- Google News: Outer Banks Home Collapse
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.
