Buxton, NC, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In Buxton, North Carolina, a series of home collapses have occurred due to severe surf conditions influenced by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The recent incidents have resulted in the collapse of nine oceanfront homes in just a few days, with cleanup efforts underway as local authorities respond to the destruction. Spectators gathered to witness the devastation, showcasing the impact of nature on beachfront properties. Residents express sadness as they face the loss of homes long cherished by families.

Buxton, North Carolina

Another home along the beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean on Thursday afternoon. This incident marks the eighth home to collapse in just three days due to relentless surf influenced by dual offshore hurricanes, Imelda and Humberto.

The series of collapses began on Tuesday, with six homes succumbing to the powerful waves on that day alone, followed by a seventh on Wednesday night. Witnesses reported the eighth home collapse, which was seen by FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne. Byrne described the experience, noting the sounds of creaking wood just moments before the house fell onto its pilings.

Dozens of spectators gathered on the beach to observe the home sway in and out of the ocean before its eventual collapse. Piles of debris from the previous home collapses have begun to litter the beach, contributing to the scene of destruction.

A local resident expressed her sadness regarding the damage, stating that many families had enjoyed vacations in the area for their entire lives. While she spoke, the first story of the house collapsed into the ocean, coinciding with a large wave splashing onto the nearby beach.

Offshore buoys indicated wave heights reaching up to 14 feet, and as a precaution, high surf advisories have been put in place through Saturday morning. In response to the ongoing collapses, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is preparing to deploy around two dozen staff members to Buxton for cleanup efforts.

Further reports indicated a second collapse on Saturday evening at 46006 Cottage Avenue in Buxton around 7:45 p.m., marking the tenth house to fall since September 30. Before this latest collapse, the area had a two-week period without any reported house collapses, despite facing challenging weather conditions due to a nor’easter.

The home that collapsed on Saturday was unoccupied and has contributed to the growing pile of debris needing removal from the beaches. Overall, nine oceanfront homes have collapsed in the Outer Banks between September 30 and October 3, with eight of those collapses occurring in Buxton and one in Rodanthe.

Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

The cleanup efforts will focus on removing debris from the homes that have collapsed, as local authorities work swiftly to minimize impact to both the residents and beachgoers in the area. As the high surf continues, further monitoring will be necessary to ensure safety and prevent additional collapses.

Weather Conditions

The current weather conditions are a result of the dual hurricanes offshore, which have created severe surf conditions along the coast. The situation requires diligence from local officials to manage and provide safety advisories to the public.

Conclusion

The series of home collapses serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature, and as cleanup efforts commence, the community is left to reconcile with the damage done to their beachfront homes.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Buxton, North Carolina Faces Multiple Home Collapses
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
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

• CBS17
• Wikipedia: Outer Banks
• 13 News Now
• Google Search: home collapse Buxton North Carolina
• WAVY
• Google Scholar: Outer Banks home collapse
• FOX Weather
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
• WRAL
• Google News: Buxton North Carolina collapses

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.