Buxton, NC, September 27, 2025
News Summary
A two-story stilt home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the ocean, marking the 12th home lost to coastal erosion in the Outer Banks in five years. The structure was unoccupied, preventing injuries. Cleanup efforts are underway as local authorities concern themselves with ongoing erosion issues affecting coastal properties and ecosystems.
Buxton, NC – A beachfront stilt home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon, adding to the alarming trend of coastal erosion in the region. This incident marks the 12th home lost to the ocean in the Outer Banks over the last five years.
The home that collapsed was a two-story, wood-shingled structure located at the north end of Hatteras Island. The collapse scattered debris, including nail-studded wood, along the beach. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time, which prevented any injuries or fatalities.
In response to the collapse, Mike Barber, a spokesman for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, mentioned that seashore staff have begun the process of cleaning up the debris, focusing on areas south of the collapse site. The homeowner has engaged a contractor to help remove the remaining structure and any debris resulting from the incident.
Prior to this recent collapse, the previous 11 homes lost occurred in Rodanthe, the easternmost point of North Carolina, since May 2020. The house in Buxton was situated less than one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was relocated inland in 1999 as a measure against erosion.
Local residents had previously voiced concerns regarding two beachfront houses in Rodanthe during Hurricane Erin; however, those structures ultimately survived the storm. On the day of the recent collapse, the weather was partly cloudy with muted fog earlier in the day, and temperatures reached a high of 78°F (approximately 26°C) with light and variable winds reported during the incident.
The ongoing erosion along the North Carolina coastline raises significant concerns for residents and local authorities, prompting discussions about coastal management and long-term preservation efforts. As more homes face the threat of collapse into the ocean, this incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect coastal property and ecosystems.
Background on Coastal Erosion in Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, known for their picturesque beaches and unique landscapes, have been experiencing significant coastal erosion challenges over the past several years. Factors contributing to this erosion include natural processes, severe weather events, and rising sea levels. As coastal properties continue to be at risk, residents and authorities are grappling with the implications of climate change and the increasing severity of storms.
Potential Impact on Local Communities
The repeated loss of homes to erosion and the ocean creates a ripple effect in local economies, affecting tourism and property values. It can also lead to increased insurance rates and the displacement of families. Moving forward, communities may need to consider innovative solutions, including beach nourishment projects, improved zoning laws, and adaptive construction practices to better withstand the ongoing effects of erosion.
FAQ
What happened in Buxton, NC on Tuesday?
Was anyone injured in the home collapse?
What steps are being taken to clean up the area?
How many homes have collapsed in the Outer Banks in the last five years?
Key Features of Recent Coastal Collapses
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, NC |
| Collapse Date | Tuesday |
| Type of Structure | Two-story, wood-shingled beachfront stilt home |
| Total Collapses in Last Five Years | 12 homes |
| Proximity to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse | Less than one mile (1.6 kilometers) |
| Weather Conditions | Partly cloudy, high of 78°F |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Erosion Claims Another Home in Buxton
Coastal Storm Causes Severe Flooding in Virginia Beach
Two-Story Beachfront Home Collapses in Buxton, NC
Beachfront Cottage Collapses into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Coastal Hazards Advisory for North Carolina Amid Rising Rip Current Risks
Rip Current Warning Issued for North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Power Pole Explosion in Kitty Hawk Due to Thunderstorms
Beachfront House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Beachfront Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Home Collapses into the Atlantic in Buxton
Additional Resources
- WRAL: High Surf Could Topple More Outer Banks Homes
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Surfline: Tracking Humberto – Carolinas Prepare for Hurricane Swell Impacts
- Google Search: Outer Banks Erosion
- ABC News: Beachfront Stilt House Collapses into Surf
- Google Scholar: Coastal Management Outer Banks
- Fox Weather: Weather Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Management
- World Surf League: Outer Banks Pro
- Google News: Outer Banks Home Collapse
- The Coastland Times: Surf Film Festival Returns to OBX
- NC News Online: Beachfront House 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.
