Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The Atlantic surf has claimed eight unoccupied homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to the impacts of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, the latest in a growing crisis of coastal erosion in the area. Since May 2020, at least 20 homes have succumbed to this relentless force, complicating cleanup efforts. Coastal experts warn the Outer Banks could face increasing vulnerability due to climate change and rising sea levels, leading to more erosion incidents in the future.
Buxton, North Carolina – The Atlantic surf has claimed eight unoccupied homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to the impacts of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. These hurricanes, which passed offshore, have intensified the existing issue of coastal erosion in the region. Since May 2020, at least 20 homes have succumbed to the relentless forces of coastal erosion along the Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks, a stretch of barrier islands over 200 miles long, are home to tens of thousands of permanent residents and attract over 2 million visitors each year. U.S. Geological Survey scientists describe this area as one of the most dynamic natural landscapes occupied by humans, making it particularly susceptible to the actions of the Atlantic Ocean.
On September 30, high tide and rough surf caused five homes to collapse in a short span between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Later that evening, another house fell into the ocean at approximately 11 p.m., with surf heights estimated between 8 to 12 feet. The damage continued into October, with a seventh home collapsing on October 1 around 8 p.m., followed by the eighth home sliding into the ocean nearly 24 hours later.
Coastal erosion in the Outer Banks has been significantly compounded by climate change, intensified storms, and rising sea levels. Since 2020, extreme weather events have resulted in 21 beach house collapses on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Notably, nine of the most recent collapses have occurred in Buxton since mid-September 2025. In addition, another home was reported lost in Rodanthe on the evening of October 3, 2025, as waves reached heights of up to 14 feet.
The aftermath of these collapses has prompted a major cleanup effort, involving approximately two dozen crews in Buxton to address debris from the fallen structures. Homes in the area remain precariously perched on pilings, with high surf threatening further collapses.
Coastal experts have noted that the Outer Banks have lost approximately 675 feet of shoreline since 1987, with areas like Rodanthe experiencing severe erosion and losing more than 15 feet of coastline each year. The loose sandy structure of the Outer Banks offers little protection against wave energy and erosion, and projections suggest that rising sea levels may increase by up to 14 inches by 2050. This rise could lead to more days of coastal flooding in the future.
The impact of human development on the islands may also exacerbate the erosion problem by obstructing natural sand movement and diminishing the growth of protective vegetation. Overall, the Outer Banks remain more vulnerable to erosion and flooding compared to more stable coastlines throughout the United States.
Key incidents of coastal erosion
- September 30, 2025: Five homes collapsed between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
- September 30, 2025: Another home collapsed at 11 p.m.
- October 1, 2025: A seventh home collapsed around 8 p.m.
- October 2, 2025: An eighth home slid into the ocean.
Ongoing Cleanup Efforts
Cleanup operations have mobilized around 24 crews in Buxton to manage the debris following the home collapses.
Future Projections
As experts warn of rising sea levels and increasing coastal erosion, the Outer Banks face an uncertain future with potential for more loss as climate change exacerbates underlying vulnerabilities.
FAQ
How many homes have been lost to the Atlantic Ocean due to erosion since May 2020?
Since May 2020, at least 20 homes have been lost to coastal erosion in the region.
What natural events contributed to the recent loss of homes on the Outer Banks?
The hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, as well as high tide and rough surf, contributed to the collapse of the homes.
How much shoreline has the Outer Banks lost since 1987?
The Outer Banks have lost approximately 675 feet of shoreline since 1987.
What factors contribute to the vulnerability of the Outer Banks to erosion?
Factors include climate change, intensified storms, rising sea levels, and human development that obstructs natural sand movement.
Key Features of Coastal Erosion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Outer Banks, North Carolina |
| Homes Lost Since May 2020 | At least 20 homes |
| Recent Hurricane Impacts | Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda |
| Shoreline Loss Since 1987 | Approximately 675 feet |
| Average Annual Erosion Rate in Rodanthe | More than 15 feet |
| Projected Sea Level Rise by 2050 | Up to 14 inches |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Erosion Leads to Vacation Home Collapses in Outer Banks
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
Additional Resources
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.
