Buxton, North Carolina, October 21, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, another oceanfront home has collapsed into the Atlantic, marking the 11th such incident since September. This collapse is part of a troubling trend, with 22 homes lost to erosion since 2020, exacerbated by severe weather events. Cape Hatteras National Seashore has issued alerts advising the public to stay away from affected areas due to dangerous conditions and ongoing flooding risks. Discussions continue regarding climate change impacts on coastal communities as homeowners face complex recovery challenges.
Buxton, North Carolina – Another oceanfront home has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 11th house to fall since September. The latest incident occurred on Saturday night around 7:45 p.m. at 46006 Cottage Avenue. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time of the collapse, and there were no reported injuries.
In total, 22 homes have been lost to ocean erosion along the Outer Banks since 2020. The recent collapse was preceded by weeks of relentless coastal erosion, exacerbated by severe weather conditions, including Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which generated high seas and contributed to the destabilization of coastal land.
A powerful nor’easter, along with elevated tides from a full Moon, further weakened the coastal areas, leading to disastrous outcomes for properties along the beachfront. Over the weekend, the damaged home was cleared from the surf, although collapsed homes often leave behind dangerous debris that can scatter miles along the shoreline.
Homeowners facing such losses may be compelled to wait until their property collapses to collect insurance money, which complicates recovery efforts and financial stability. In light of these risks, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued a public safety alert this week. The alert advises individuals to avoid beaches and erosion hotspots due to flooding caused by overwash.
The village of Rodanthe has become a focal point in discussions about the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise affecting coastal areas. The house collapse on October 18 was the first on the Outer Banks since October 3, highlighting the ongoing hazards faced by shorefront properties. Notably, this year alone, at least four houses have collapsed on Cottage Avenue, while nine homes collapsed in September, primarily due to the adverse weather conditions brought by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
Currently, there are two safety alerts in effect within the national seashore related to storm damages, with beach closures including Rodanthe from East Point Drive south to Surfside Drive and the entire beachfront from the north end of Buxton to near off-road vehicle ramp 43. Since 2020, accelerated beach erosion has resulted in significant damage in both Rodanthe and Buxton, as the cumulative effects of weather events take their toll on the landscape.
Background on Coastal Erosion
Historical data indicates that house collapses in the Outer Banks have been occurring with increased frequency, dating back to May 29, 2020. Each property lost represents not only a significant financial loss for owners but also underscores the vulnerability of coastal property to ongoing natural erosion processes. This persistent threat is prompting calls for more robust management of coastal areas to minimize future damage and protect existing structures.
Implications of the Collapses
These collapses stress the critical need for preparedness in coastal communities. As climate change continues to intensify the risks of severe weather and rising seas, the residents and local authorities must work collaboratively towards stronger conservation strategies that can better protect both human lives and investments.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Collapses Since September | 11 Homes |
| Recent Collapse Date | October 18, 2023 |
| Last Collapse Before Recent | October 3, 2023 |
| Total Homes Lost Since 2020 | 22 Homes |
| Impacting Weather Events | Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda |
| Current Beach Closures | Rodanthe and Northern Buxton |
FAQ
How many oceanfront homes have collapsed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks since September?
Another oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina, marking the 11th house to fall since September.
What time did the latest house collapse occur?
The collapse occurred on Saturday night at approximately 7:45 p.m. at 46006 Cottage Avenue.
Were there any injuries reported in the latest collapse?
The house was unoccupied at the time of its collapse, and there were no reported injuries.
How many homes have been lost to ocean erosion since 2020?
In total, 22 homes have been lost to ocean erosion along the Outer Banks since 2020.
What contributed to the recent coastal erosion?
The recent collapse was preceded by weeks of relentless coastal erosion exacerbated by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which caused high seas.
What safety measures have been taken in response to the erosion?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued a public safety alert this week, advising people to avoid beaches and erosion hotspots due to flooding caused by overwash.
Which villages are most affected by this issue?
The village of Rodanthe is a focal point in discussions about the impacts of climate change and sea level rise in coastal areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Coastal Erosion Causes Home Collapses in Buxton
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
Concerns Rise Over Sexual Assault Reports at ECU
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Buxton Home Collapse
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- Pilot Online: House Falls into Ocean
- Google Search: North Carolina coastal erosion
- WAVY: House Collapses in Buxton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Environment
- The Coastland Times: Buxton House Collapse
- Google News: Buxton house collapse
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.
