Buxton, North Carolina, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina has experienced its fourth home collapse this month due to severe erosion and storm conditions, exacerbated by Hurricane Imelda. The latest incident occurred at an unoccupied property on Cottage Avenue. This troubling trend raises concerns as many homes in the area have been impacted by rising surf and flooding. With public safety warnings issued to avoid eroded areas, the ongoing threat of more collapses remains a serious issue for residents and visitors.
Buxton, North Carolina Suffers Fourth Home Collapse Due to Erosion and Storm Conditions
Another residential home has collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina, marking the fourth such incident this month. The latest collapse occurred on Saturday evening at 46006 Cottage Avenue around 7:45 p.m. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time of the collapse.
In addition to this latest incident, two other homes fell on Tower Circle Road earlier in October, and another collapse was reported in Rodanthe. This follows a troubling trend, as seven homes, all located on Cottage Avenue and Tower Circle Road, collapsed in September. The recent wave of collapses has been linked to hazardous surf conditions exacerbated by Hurricane Imelda.
Ongoing Risks and Warnings
In light of these repeated collapses, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has issued a public safety alert, advising residents and visitors to avoid beaches and areas experiencing erosion. As recent flooding has led to significant overwash, the risks associated with being in these areas are heightened.
It is still unclear whether any injuries have resulted from the latest collapse. The string of incidents has also seen six unoccupied homes collapse in the Outer Banks earlier this month due to the impacts of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. Surprisingly, most of the homes that collapsed in September were once elevated on stilts, which further underscores the severity of the erosion problem.
Continued Erosion and Weather Impact
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore cautions that more home collapses may be forthcoming due to the ongoing adverse ocean conditions. The shoreline is currently littered with debris, including parts of previously collapsed homes, amplifying concerns for residents and visitors alike.
Since the year 2020, a total of 17 privately owned houses have collapsed along the Seashore beaches as a direct result of erosion and storm influences. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has noted that the Outer Banks’ barrier islands have a high vulnerability to such geological challenges.
In addition to the home collapses, portions of North Carolina’s coast are experiencing coastal flood advisories and warnings due to recent adverse weather conditions. Transportation disruptions have also been reported, including the closure of a section of North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island and the suspension of ferry services between Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. Erosion and storm activity related to recent hurricanes are expected to continue affecting the region in the coming days.
Conclusion
The situation in Buxton, North Carolina, illustrates the severe impact of coastal erosion and storm surges on residential structures. With ongoing threats expected from the ocean, residents are urged to stay informed about safety recommendations and to exercise caution when navigating coastal areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes have collapsed in Buxton, NC, this month?
This marks the fourth house collapse in Buxton for October.
What caused the recent home collapses in the Outer Banks?
The recent wave of home collapses is linked to hazardous surf conditions caused by Hurricane Imelda.
Are there any injuries reported from the latest home collapse?
It remains unclear if there were any injuries associated with the latest collapse.
What safety recommendations have been issued?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued a public safety alert, advising people to avoid beaches and areas with erosion after flooding caused by overwash.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Recent Collapse | 46006 Cottage Avenue, Buxton, NC |
| Date of Collapse | October 14, 2023 |
| Previous Collapse Locations | Tower Circle Road, Rodanthe |
| Total Collapses in October | 4 |
| Total Collapses in September | 7 |
| Linked Weather Events | Hurricane Imelda, Hurricane Humberto |
| Caution Warnings Issued | Avoid beaches and erosion areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buxton, N.C. Home Collapse Highlights Erosion Crisis
Nor’easter Threatens Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Record Fish Caught in North Carolina
Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks
Buxton Homes Collapse Due to Coastal Erosion Crisis
Outer Banks History Center Reopens After Major Renovation
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
Additional Resources
- WITN News
- Wikipedia: Buxton, North Carolina
- WRAL News
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina home collapse
- Fox Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Washington Post
- Google News: Buxton NC home collapse October 2025
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.
