Buxton, North Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina, is facing a grave erosion crisis, worsened by a recent nor’easter. Nine homes have collapsed into the ocean in just over two weeks due to fierce surf from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. With heavy rain and dangerously high surf persisting, structural supports have been added to some remaining houses, but the risk of further damage looms, prompting warnings for visitors to stay away from affected areas. A significant number of oceanfront structures are currently at risk, highlighting a critical long-term issue for the coastline.
Buxton, North Carolina is currently grappling with a severe erosion crisis that has led to the collapse of multiple homes along its beachfront. This disturbing trend has been brought to the forefront following the recent impacts of a powerful fall nor’easter, which exacerbated the already precarious situation on the coast.
In a period of just over two weeks, from mid-September to early October, nine homes succumbed to the relentless forces of nature, primarily due to rough surf associated with Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. As a poignant demonstration of the ongoing risk, one of the homes collapsed into the ocean on October 2, while a FOX Weather correspondent was reporting live from the site.
The conditions in Buxton deteriorated sharply with the arrival of the nor’easter, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and dangerously high surf. A drone video captured the violent waves crashing against the coastline and the few homes still standing, showcasing the vulnerability of the area. Structural supports have been added to some remaining houses in a desperate attempt to prevent further collapses. Nevertheless, with looming high tides and hazardous ocean conditions, the risk of additional collapses remains alarmingly high.
As of October 1, it was reported that six unoccupied homes had been lost, five during the afternoon and one later that night. The National Park Service has explained that the recent collapses were heavily influenced by the waves generated by the aforementioned hurricanes. The homes, which were once elevated on stilts, have now been completely washed away, leaving debris strewn along the shoreline.
Officials have warned visitors to steer clear of affected areas as forecasts suggest that the situation could worsen. The erosion problem on the North Carolina coastline has long been known, with 18 privately owned homes collapsing on seashore beaches since 2020. A report issued in 2024 revealed that nearly 750 of the 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are currently considered at risk due to erosion.
Ongoing hazardous conditions have led to significant disruptions in the region. Portions of North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island have experienced road closures, and ferry services connecting Ocracoke and Hatteras islands have been suspended. The Outer Banks region is not alone in this crisis; rising sea levels and the effects of climate change have resulted in 17 total collapses since 2020 across various affected areas.
In light of these developments, coastal flood advisories are in effect for parts of eastern North Carolina, warning residents and visitors of the dangerous surf conditions and potential for further erosion.
Key Facts on Buxton’s Erosion Crisis:
- Nine homes collapsed from mid-September to early October.
- Powerful fall nor’easter worsened conditions with heavy rain and high surf.
- Six unoccupied homes collapsed into the ocean by October 1.
- Extra structural supports were added to remaining homes to prevent further collapses.
- Approximately 750 of 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are at risk due to erosion.
- Ongoing hazardous conditions led to road closures and suspension of ferry services.
FAQ Section
What recent events highlighted the erosion crisis in Buxton, North Carolina?
Recent collapses of homes occurred in Buxton, North Carolina, due to rough surf from a powerful fall nor’easter.
How many homes have collapsed in the last few weeks in Buxton?
In just over two weeks from mid-September to early October, nine homes along the beach collapsed as swells from hurricanes Humberto and Imelda impacted the East Coast.
What measures have been taken to prevent further collapses?
Extra structural supports were added to some remaining houses to prevent further collapses.
What factors are contributing to the erosion crisis?
Erosion has continued to plague the North Carolina coastline, with rising sea levels and climate change prominently affecting stability.
Chart: Key Features of Erosion Impact in Buxton
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Homes Collapsed | 9 Homes |
| Time Period | Mid-September to Early October |
| Notable Weather Event | Fall Nor’easter |
| Influencing Hurricanes | Hurricanes Humberto, Imelda |
| Risk Level | High, with ongoing advisories |
| Road Closures | Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nor’easter Threatens East Coast with Coastal Flooding and High Winds
Nine Oceanfront Homes in Buxton Collapse into Atlantic Ocean
Coastal Erosion Causes Collapse of Homes in Buxton
Severe Erosion Causes House Collapses in Outer Banks
Mandatory Evacuations in North Carolina Ahead of Hurricane Erin
Nor’easter Set to Hit East Coast, Heavy Rain and Flooding Expected
Six Homes Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Coastal Erosion Causes Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC
Fall Serenity Awaits in Nags Head, Outer Banks
Coastal Storm Threatens Outer Banks This Weekend
Additional Resources
- FOX Weather: Drone Video of Buxton Beach Houses
- Wikipedia: Erosion
- Washington Post: Outer Banks House Collapse
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina erosion
- AP News: Outer Banks Homes Collapse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- CBS News: Buxton Homes Collapse
- Google News: North Carolina beach erosion
- WTKR: OBX Home Falls Into Ocean
- Google Scholar: Buxton North Carolina 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.
