Buxton, North Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Residents of the Outer Banks in North Carolina are facing severe dangers from a powerful nor’easter, bringing massive waves and coastal flooding. Homes, including a green house in Buxton, are at risk of collapse, prompting urgent emergency responses. The storm has already claimed three lives and caused significant travel disruptions, including thousands of flight cancellations. With cleanup efforts beginning and further weather improvements expected, authorities urge communities to stay vigilant regarding ongoing risks.
Buxton, North Carolina – Residents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are currently facing significant dangers from a powerful nor’easter sweeping up the East Coast, with massive waves and ongoing coastal flooding threatening homes in the area. As high tide approached on Sunday, October 12, live video from Buxton revealed a green home completely surrounded by water, with large waves crashing into the wood pilings supporting the structure. Disturbingly, a portion of the home’s balcony collapsed during the live broadcast, indicating that the property is at imminent risk of collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean.
The impacts of the storm have already been severe, with areas like Rodanthe and Buxton suffering the loss of nine beachfront homes earlier this month to encroaching surf. Several more homes in the same vicinity are now teetering on the verge of collapse, exacerbating the urgency of the situation.
A high tide warning has also been issued for Bowers Beach, Delaware, where water levels have surged significantly due to the nor’easter’s effects. Cleanup efforts are underway in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions following days of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and strong winds generated by the storm.
In total, three fatalities have been reported as a result of the nor’easter, including an elderly woman in Brooklyn who was struck by a solar panel that broke loose during the storm. In Massachusetts, storm conditions led to a plane crashing onto a busy highway, resulting in two deaths and one injury. While New York City experienced only light rain and wind, many residents in New Jersey and Connecticut have been left without power due to the severe weather.
The impacts of the nor’easter were far-reaching, leading to the cancellation of New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade. Roads in Bellmore, New York, were closed after a utility pole fell, and flooding occurred in Lindenhurst, Long Island, as heavy rains from the storm took their toll. Coastal flooding also affected areas along the Jersey Shore, forcing some roads to close due to increased water levels.
In response to the storm’s expected impacts, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for eight counties. Additionally, approximately two dozen individuals needed water rescues in Sea Bright, New Jersey, during high tide.
Travel disruptions were extensive, with thousands of delays and cancellations reported across major Northeast airports as the storm continued. Parts of North Carolina’s Highway 12 were closed due to dangerous travel conditions caused by ocean overwash. Although the weather conditions in the region experienced wind gusts comparable to those in a tropical storm, the system itself is not classified as such. However, improvements to the weather conditions are expected by the following Tuesday, allowing for cleanup efforts to begin after the storm subsides.
Key Impacts of the Nor’easter
- Severe coastal flooding and large waves threatening Outer Banks homes
- Nine beachfront homes lost earlier this month in Rodanthe and Buxton
- Three fatalities reported linked to the storm
- Significant travel disruptions with thousands of flight cancellations
- State of Emergency declared in eight New York counties
Looking Ahead
As cleanup efforts begin following the storm and improved weather conditions are forecasted, residents and officials alike are urged to remain vigilant. The potential for ongoing coastal erosion continues to loom, and communities are bracing for the long-term impacts of the recent nor’easter.
FAQ
What is the current status of the homes in Buxton?
Residents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are currently facing significant dangers from a powerful nor’easter sweeping up the East Coast, with massive waves and ongoing coastal flooding threatening homes in the area. A green home in Buxton was completely surrounded by water and is at imminent risk of collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean.
How many homes have been lost due to the storm?
Earlier this month, Rodanthe and Buxton lost nine beachfront homes to encroaching surf, and several more homes in the same vicinity are now teetering on the verge of collapse.
What is the current impact of the storm in the Northeast?
The nor’easter has caused cleanup efforts to begin in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions after days of heavy rain, coastal flooding, and strong winds. There have been three reported fatalities linked to the nor’easter, impacting travel, power, and gatherings such as the Columbus Day Parade.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Type | Nor’easter |
| Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Location | Outer Banks, North Carolina |
| Notable Incidents | Collapse of home balcony, plane crash in Massachusetts |
| Fatalities | 3 reported |
| Travel Impact | Thousands of flight cancellations and travel disruptions |
| State of Emergency | Declared in 8 New York counties |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Nor’easter Disrupts Travel in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Highway 12 Reopens on Hatteras Island After Repairs
Powerful Nor’easter Causes Destruction in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Leads to Home Collapses in Buxton, N.C.
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Nor’easter Disaster
- Wikipedia: Nor’easter
- USA Today: Nor’easter Hits East Coast
- Google Search: Nor’easter October 2023
- WKTV: Nor’easter Fatalities
- Google Scholar: Nor’easter Impact
- Fox 13 News: Outer Banks Home Collapse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nor’easter
- Fox 10: New Jersey Emergency Declaration
- Google News: New Jersey Nor’easter Emergency
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.
