Buxton, North Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Residents in North Carolina’s Outer Banks are grappling with severe coastal flooding and the risk of home collapses due to a powerful nor’easter impacting the region. Footage from Buxton showed a house perilously surrounded by water, while numerous homes are at risk following recent severe erosion. The storm, combined with high tides, has led to road closures and emergency alerts, with authorities assessing potential damage to local infrastructure. The storm’s effects extend beyond North Carolina, prompting states of emergency in New Jersey and New York.
Buxton, North Carolina – Residents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are facing significant challenges as a powerful nor’easter has brought massive waves and coastal flooding to the region. As of high tide on Sunday, October 12, 2025, live video from Buxton showed a green home surrounded by water, with concerns mounting over its stability as it nears collapse. Large waves have been aggressively crashing into the wood pilings supporting the at-risk home, and during a live broadcast, a portion of the home’s balcony was seen collapsing.
Previously, earlier this month, nine beachfront homes in Rodanthe and Buxton were lost to the encroaching surf due to severe erosion. Current reports indicate that multiple homes in the area are threatening to collapse under similar conditions. FOX Weather Storm Tracker shared a live video of the situation, where rising waters were observed in Bowers Beach, Delaware, as high tide approached, signifying the widespread impact of the storm.
Motorists are facing difficulties as well, with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) reporting closures of N.C. 12, which is a critical route affecting travel in the Outer Banks. On Monday morning, crews were on-site inspecting N.C. 12 for potential damage and working to clear water and sand from the roads. Initial reports indicated that no significant damage to the highway’s pavement had occurred, though minor damage was noted at Pea Island. The DOT is actively attempting to rebuild protective dunes in preparation for reopening the highway by Monday evening, weather permitting.
In response to the nor’easter, emergency alerts were issued to residents following road closures. Highlighting the storm’s intensity, Buxton has already experienced severe erosion as a result of three hurricanes earlier this year: Erin, Humberto, and Imelda. The current nor’easter coincided with a king tide, exacerbating flooding and erosion risks along the coastline, leading to coastal flood warnings that are in effect for Hatteras Island from October 11 through October 13, 2025.
This weather system has implications beyond North Carolina. New Jersey and New York have declared states of emergency due to the nor’easter, anticipating coastal and flash flooding along with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph. The adverse weather has also forced the cancellation of New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, illustrating the widespread effects of the storm across multiple states.
Summary of Recent Developments
- Residents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks face coastal flooding and home collapse threats.
- High tide has exacerbated conditions in Buxton, where a specific home is in danger of collapse.
- Emergency alerts issued as N.C. 12 has been closed; inspections are underway for reopening.
- Severe erosion experienced in Buxton due to previous hurricanes this year.
- Coastal flood warnings are active for Hatteras Island.
- New Jersey and New York also face weather-related emergencies due to this nor’easter.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
Traffic disruptions have been notable, particularly with the closure of N.C. 12 affecting access throughout the Outer Banks. The DOT’s efforts to inspect and clear the route reflect the ongoing struggle to maintain safe travel amidst challenging conditions and serve the residents’ needs in the wake of this severe weather.
Broader Implications
The coastal conditions brought on by the nor’easter illustrate the increasing erosion and climatic impacts faced by coastal communities. The concurrent state emergencies in New Jersey and New York, alongside localized flooding, showcase the extent to which this storm has reached beyond the North Carolina borders.
Conclusion
As the Outer Banks and surrounding areas face the repercussions of this powerful nor’easter, the focus remains on supporting residents, ensuring public safety, and assessing damage in hopes of a safe return to normalcy as weather conditions improve.
FAQ
- What areas are affected by the nor’easter?
- Residents along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are facing massive waves and coastal flooding due to a powerful nor’easter.
- What is the status of N.C. 12?
- The state Department of Transportation (DOT) reported closures of N.C. 12, affecting travel in the Outer Banks. Crews were inspecting N.C. 12 for damage and clearing water and sand.
- What has happened to the homes in Buxton?
- A live video from Buxton shows a green home surrounded by water, nearing collapse as of high tide on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Several homes in the area are reported to be on the verge of collapse.
- Are there any emergency alerts related to the storm?
- Emergency alerts were sent out to residents as highways were initially closed in response to the nor’easter.
- What other states are under emergency due to the nor’easter?
- New Jersey and New York have declared states of emergency due to the nor’easter, with potential for coastal and flash flooding, along with wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Multiple Home Collapses
Virginia Family Evacuated from Outer Banks due to Hurricane Erin
Nor’easter Threatens Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks
Buxton Homes Collapse Due to Coastal Erosion Crisis
Coastal Flood Advisories for Northern Outer Banks
NC12 Reopens but Ocracoke Island Remains Closed
Dare County, N.C. Faces Major Disruptions Due to Hurricane Erin
Tragic Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC Amid Hurricane Fears
Tragedy Strikes: Ninth Home Collapses in Rodanthe, N.C.
Additional Resources
- FOX Weather: Live Video of Home Collapse in Buxton
- Wikipedia: Nor’easter
- CBS 17: Buxton Dunes Washed Away
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- USA Today: Nor’easter Hits East Coast
- Google News: Nor’easter North Carolina
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.
