Buxton, North Carolina, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina is experiencing a crisis as severe coastal erosion leads to multiple home collapses, exacerbated by recent hurricanes. Since September, at least ten homes have fallen into the ocean, highlighting the urgent threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels. Residents scramble to salvage belongings as officials assess the safety of the area and manage the aftermath of these environmental disasters. The situation remains precarious with ongoing concerns about further collapses.
Buxton, North Carolina, is facing a serious crisis as severe coastal erosion has led to the collapse of multiple homes in recent weeks. On October 18, 2025, an unoccupied home fell into the ocean at around 7:45 p.m., marking the 10th home to collapse in Buxton since September 2025 and the 11th along Hatteras Island overall.
The devastating storm activity has resulted in at least a dozen homes collapsing along North Carolina’s Outer Banks since mid-September, primarily due to back-to-back hurricanes and coastal storms. Drone footage captured on October 18 demonstrates the extent of the erosion, showing waves actively damaging the structure and contributing to coastal flooding that threatens nearby properties.
The series of collapses began on September 30, 2025, when five unoccupied houses fell victim to hazardous surf conditions generated by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. A sixth house succumbed to the conditions later that night. Overall, between September 30 and October 2, 2025, eight homes in Buxton fell into the ocean, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In total, the National Park Service reports that 22 homes have collapsed on the National Seashore in North Carolina since 2020, mainly due to ongoing coastal erosion, which is exacerbated by factors related to climate change. The recent hurricanes produced waves as high as 8 to 12 feet, leading to extremely dangerous surf conditions and coastal flood advisories being issued for parts of eastern North Carolina.
Residents in Buxton and other areas affected by the storms are urgently trying to salvage belongings from homes that are precariously close to collapsing. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has closed off certain beach areas to protect the public from hazardous conditions created by debris from the collapsed structures.
Ongoing concerns about the safety of homes along the Outer Banks persist, with experts indicating that further collapses are possible as hazardous weather conditions continue. Erosion has long been a significant issue in the region, with many areas deemed unsuitable for development due to the changing landscape and rising sea levels.
The aftermath of these home collapses presents substantial logistical challenges, such as managing debris removal and addressing insurance claims for affected property owners. Local officials are engaged in discussions about how to proceed with home condemnations given the extreme vulnerability of these coastal properties.
As the situation develops, photos and videos from local sources depict the extent of the destruction, showcasing a shoreline littered with debris from the fallen homes. The future of the coastal landscape in Buxton remains uncertain as the community grapples with the immediate consequences of this environmental disaster.
Key Highlights
- 10 homes have collapsed in Buxton since September 2025.
- At least a dozen homes have collapsed along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
- Ongoing coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change is a crucial factor.
- Hazardous surf conditions were generated by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
- Residents are attempting to salvage belongings from endangered homes.
Background Context
Coastal erosion has been a long-standing challenge for the Outer Banks, intensified by climate change factors that have transformed the landscape. Experts caution that continued development in the area could magnify the risks associated with home collapses due to environmental conditions.
As of now, the safety of the affected communities is in jeopardy, with anticipated weather patterns and surf conditions presenting ongoing risks. Emergency response efforts are likely to need coordination to mitigate further destruction in the region.
FAQ
How many homes have collapsed in Buxton since September 2025?
10 homes have collapsed in Buxton since September 2025.
What caused the recent home collapses in Buxton and surrounding areas?
At least a dozen homes have collapsed along North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to back-to-back hurricanes and coastal storms since mid-September.
What is the National Park Service’s report on home collapses in the area?
The National Park Service reported that 22 homes have collapsed on the National Seashore in North Carolina since 2020 due to ongoing coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change factors.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Recent Collapses | 10 homes in Buxton since September 2025 |
| Total Collapses on Hatteras Island | 11 homes |
| Natural Factors | Back-to-back hurricanes (Imelda and Humberto) |
| Average Wave Height | 8 to 12 feet during storms |
| Homes Collapsed Since 2020 | 22 homes on the National Seashore |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nor’easter Causes Coastal Flooding and Home Threats in Outer Banks
Record House Collapses Along North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Homes in Buxton, NC Collapse Amidst Hurricane Swells
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
Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks
Buxton Homes Collapse Due to Coastal Erosion Crisis
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Additional Resources
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.
