Buxton, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina, is facing a critical situation as ten homes have collapsed due to severe coastal storms and erosion. The region’s vulnerability has intensified with ongoing beach erosion, particularly highlighted by the fall of Windermere, a house formerly owned by James Hartshorne, into the ocean. The National Park Service has warned of debris on beaches and urged caution as local authorities monitor the ever-changing coastal landscape. These incidents signal an urgent need for protective measures for residents in this vulnerable area.
Buxton, North Carolina has become the center of attention as ten homes have been confirmed to have collapsed in the area over the past month due to severe coastal storms and hurricane swells. The recent incidents have highlighted the growing threat of coastal erosion, with homes now increasingly vulnerable as they sit in intertidal zones due to continuing beach erosion.
In a significant event on October 2, Windermere, a home formerly owned by James Hartshorne, was the eighth house to fall into the ocean. This collapse was exacerbated by a recent storm over the weekend that also caused decks to fall from a threatened oceanfront property nearby. Hartshorne, who lived in Windermere for 30 years before selling it two years ago, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a home where many family memories were created, including cherished moments like sharing peach ice cream while watching the full moon rise.
Over the years, coastal erosion has dramatically altered Buxton’s landscape. Hartshorne noted that at one time, a protective dune standing over 25 feet tall shielded his home from the ocean, but significant erosion events, such as Hurricane Isabel, have cut this protective barrier in half, increasing vulnerability to storm damage.
On Tuesday night following the recent storm, N.C. 12, the primary roadway through the Outer Banks, was briefly closed due to ocean overwash, but it reopened at 7 p.m. after floodwaters receded. However, ongoing challenges continue to affect Buxton, with local authorities monitoring the situation closely and providing support to threatened homeowners.
The National Park Service has issued warnings to visitors about potential debris on the beaches caused by the home collapses and has encouraged caution in the vicinity. The increased frequency and intensity of storms due to changing climate conditions are likely to continue contributing to the erosion and instability of coastal structures.
As beachfront properties diminish, this serves as a stark reminder of the realities facing communities in coastal regions. Vegetated dunes, once serving as vital protective barriers, have been reported to erode rapidly, causing significant losses in beach area over the years. The NPS has stated that the current conditions could lead to further collapses, raising alarms for affected residents and local government officials.
In summary, Buxton is facing a growing crisis as coastal erosion worsens. With the recent fall of homes and the delicate situation of remaining structures, it emphasizes the urgent need for protective measures and support mechanisms for residents in this vulnerable coastal area.
FAQ
What events led to the collapse of homes in Buxton, North Carolina?
Ten homes have been confirmed to have collapsed in Buxton over the past month due to severe coastal storms and hurricane swells.
How many homes collapsed on October 2?
Windermere was the eighth house to fall into the ocean on October 2.
Who was the former homeowner of the Windermere house?
The former homeowner of Windermere is James Hartshorne.
What sort of memories did James Hartshorne associate with Windermere?
Hartshorne reminisced about family memories connected to the house, including enjoying peach ice cream while watching the full moon rise.
What changes have occurred in the landscape protecting homes from the ocean?
At one point a dune over 25 feet tall had shielded the home from the ocean, but Hurricane Isabel significantly contributed to erosion, cutting the protective dune in half.
What recent infrastructure issues were caused by the storm in Buxton?
N.C. 12 was briefly closed due to flooding from ocean overwash but reopened at 7 p.m. after the flooding receded.
Key Features of the Coastal Erosion Crisis in Buxton
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Homes Collapsed | 10 Homes |
| Recent Event Date | October 2 |
| Former Homeowner | James Hartshorne |
| Significant Storm Impact | Hurricane Isabel |
| Road Affected | N.C. 12 |
| Warning Issued By | National Park Service |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Concerns Rise Over Sexual Assault Reports at ECU
Coastal Flood Advisories for Northern Outer Banks
NC12 Reopens but Ocracoke Island Remains Closed
Tragic Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC Amid Hurricane Fears
Tragedy Strikes: Ninth Home Collapses in Rodanthe, N.C.
Beach Emergency in Cape Hatteras: Homes Collapsing Into the Ocean
Coastal Home in Buxton Falls Victim to Erosion
Southern Shores Welcomes Historic Landmark ‘Drop Anchor’
Nor’easter Disrupts Travel in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Highway 12 Reopens on Hatteras Island After Repairs
Additional Resources
- CBS 17 News
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- AOL News
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina coastal erosion
- Fox Weather
- 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.
