Buxton, North Carolina, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Recent hurricanes Imelda and Humberto have caused significant erosion, resulting in the collapse of nine vacation homes into the ocean in Buxton and Rodanthe, North Carolina. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has deployed teams to clean debris and has warned visitors about the risk of further collapses. Since 2020, the area has experienced a troubling trend of home collapses due to extreme weather events and coastal erosion. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the coastline remains precarious.
Buxton, North Carolina – Severe erosion caused by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto has resulted in the collapse of nine vacation homes into the ocean on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The incidents occurred in Buxton on October 2, where eight homes fell victim to the relentless waves, and another home collapsed on October 4 near Rodanthe.
This alarming situation marks the first house collapse in Rodanthe since November 14, 2024. Since 2020, the Outer Banks region has seen a total of 20 homes collapse, with 21 homes on Hatteras Island having succumbed to the ocean’s grasp, excluding two that were demolished due to threats from the surf. The trend of home collapses is particularly concerning as extreme weather events continue to batter the coastline.
In response to the dangerous conditions, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) deployed two dozen staff members to clean up debris from the affected homes. Authorities have also warned visitors to stay out of the water due to the risk of further collapses, highlighting the precarious state of the shoreline.
On the afternoon of October 2, five homes collapsed between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., followed by the collapse of another home after dark. The destruction continued with two additional homes falling on Wednesday and Thursday, escalating concerns among residents and visitors alike. Just two weeks prior to this wave of destruction, the last house collapse occurred on September 17.
Drone footage captured by Jenni Koontz on September 30 vividly demonstrated the damage inflicted by the high waves in Buxton, providing a concerning visual of the ongoing erosion problem. The Outer Banks, found at the easternmost part of North Carolina, is no stranger to severe weather events, including nor’easters and hurricanes, which significantly contribute to ongoing coastal erosion.
Highway 12, the main route running along the Outer Banks, frequently experiences inundation during storms, exacerbating the vulnerability of the area. Since 2020, the region has faced substantial storm effects, leading to extensive property damage and raising alarms about future collapses and disasters.
Residents and visitors to the Outer Banks have been advised about the risks posed by the compromised shoreline. As the area braces for expected severe weather conditions due to the aforementioned hurricanes, continued vigilance is paramount to ensure safety and minimize further damage.
FAQ
How many vacation homes collapsed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to erosion?
Nine vacation homes fell into the ocean on the Outer Banks of North Carolina due to severe erosion caused by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
When did the house collapses occur?
The incidents occurred in Buxton, North Carolina, with eight homes collapsing on October 2, while another fell on October 4 near Rodanthe.
What actions were taken by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) deployed two dozen staff to clean up debris from the fallen homes and warned visitors to stay out of the water due to the risk of further collapses.
How many homes have collapsed on Hatteras Island since 2020?
The region has seen 20 homes collapse since 2020, with a total of 21 homes on Hatteras Island having fallen into the ocean since then, not including two that were demolished due to threats from the surf.
Key Features of the Erosion Crisis
| Date | Location | Homes Affected | Total Collapses Since 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2024 | Buxton | 8 | 20 |
| October 4, 2024 | Rodanthe | 1 | 21 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beach Houses Collapsing Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
First Home Collapse of 2025 Occurs in Rodanthe, N.C.
Disaster Strikes as Oceanfront Homes Collapse on Outer Banks
Eight Homes Collapse in Buxton, North Carolina Due to Erosion
Coastal Erosion Destroys Homes in Buxton, North Carolina
Concerns Rise as Oceanfront Homes Collapse in Rodanthe
Ongoing Home Collapses in Rodanthe Due to Hurricanes
Hurricanes Cause Significant Damage to Buxton Vacation Homes
Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Claims Eight Homes in Buxton
Buxton Neighborhood Disappears into the Atlantic Ocean
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Reburial in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Florence
- Mercury News: Hurricane Florence Latest
- Google Search: North Carolina coastal erosion
- ABC11: Hurricane Florence Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
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.
