Beachfront House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton

Buxton, North Carolina, September 20, 2025

News Summary

A two-story beachfront house in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to high waves from a coastal storm. This incident marks the twelfth collapse on the Outer Banks in five years, raising concerns about coastal erosion and the safety of properties near the shore. Authorities have begun cleanup efforts and are urging visitors to avoid the area. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is taking measures to assess and manage the aftermath of this and other similar incidents as erosion rates in the region continue to rise.

Buxton, North Carolina – A beachfront house in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday evening, marking the twelfth such incident on the Outer Banks in the past five years. The unoccupied, two-story structure succumbed to high waves generated by a coastal storm.

The collapse occurred near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which is now urging visitors to steer clear of the beach and water in the vicinity of the collapse site. Authorities indicated that a pre-existing beach safety closure may need to be expanded, depending on the size of the debris field resulting from the collapse.

In addition, visitors are advised to avoid the north end of Rodanthe as safeguards are put into place due to potential threats from nearby oceanfront structures. Following the incident, Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff began cleanup efforts to remove debris spread from the collapse area.

Prior to this incident, the previous eleven collapses since May 2020 primarily affected properties located in Rodanthe, a village popularized in Nicholas Sparks’ novels. The most recent collapse took place less than a mile from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was relocated inland in 1999 to combat erosion.

On Monday, just a day before the collapse, the Basnight Bridge was temporarily closed when a modular home blew off its trailer amidst inclement weather. Local residents have been keeping a close watch on two other beachfront houses that were at risk during recent storms; however, those structures ultimately survived.

The house collapsed left debris littered with nails and remnants of wood shingles. The owner of the property has contracted a service to remove the remaining structure and any debris near the collapse site. As part of ongoing safety measures, Dare County Planning Director Noah Gillman noted that erosion rates in Buxton have climbed significantly in recent years, contributing to the frequency of such incidents.

In late August, a report emerged indicating that approximately three dozen structures, including two hotels along the beach, were decertified for occupancy due to damage from Hurricane Erin, which affected their septic systems and external stairs. Ultimately, it remains the responsibility of property owners to decide whether to undertake repairs necessary for compliance.

The Outer Banks, a popular holiday destination known for its thin line of islands at the easternmost part of North Carolina, regularly faces seasonal hurricanes, which can exacerbate coastal erosion and threaten beachfront properties.

Recent Incidents of House Collapses on the Outer Banks

The frequency of house collapses along the Outer Banks has raised concerns about the integrity of oceanfront properties. The 12 collapses in five years highlight a growing trend as homeowners grapple with the realities of building near the vulnerable shoreline.

Safety Measures and Clean-Up Efforts

As local officials assess the aftermath of the incident, safety measures, including the sealing off of affected areas and ongoing debris cleanup, are key priorities. Visitors to the vicinity are reminded to remain vigilant and heed warnings from the National Seashore staff.

Looking Forward

As the Cape Hatteras National Seashore continues to monitor the situation, community discussions surrounding coastal erosion and property safety are expected to intensify, addressing the long-term viability of beachfront constructions in a frequently changing environment.

FAQ Section

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Key Features of House Collapses on the Outer Banks

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beachfront Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Home Collapses into the Atlantic in Buxton
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

Additional Resources

• Weather.com: House Falls into the Atlantic
• Wikipedia: Outer Banks
• AP News: Beach Erosion Collapse
• Google Search: Outer Banks House Collapse
• Washington Post: Outer Banks House Collapse
• Google Scholar: Outer Banks Erosion
• Surfer.com: Outer Banks Home Collapse
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
• CNN: House Collapse from Coastal Storm
• Google News: North Carolina Coastal House Collapse
• WRAL: Home Collapse in NC
• AccuWeather: Another Home Collapses

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.