Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Outer Banks, North Carolina, October 23, 2025

News Summary

North Carolina is in a crisis as coastal erosion is wreaking havoc on homes in the Outer Banks. Recently, 11 vacation homes have collapsed into the Atlantic, raising alarms among officials. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey emphasized the growing severity since September, with 22 homes lost since 2020. Recent storms and rising sea levels add urgency to the situation, prompting Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy to propose legislation aimed at aiding affected homeowners. As the National Park Service monitors the crisis, proactive measures are being taken to ensure safety and restore beachfront areas.

Buxton, North Carolina – North Carolina is facing an urgent crisis as coastal erosion continues to threaten homes on the Outer Banks. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the recent loss of vacation homes has escalated dramatically since mid-September 2025. In total, 11 homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean recently, adding to the 22 homes lost since 2020, primarily due to the impacts of storms and rising sea levels.

Recent weather patterns, including significant nor’easters and hurricanes like Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto, have contributed to the deterioration of these coastal properties. Causey is calling on lawmakers to take immediate action to assist residents affected by this worsening crisis.

In response, Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy is advocating for the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025. This legislation aims to facilitate earlier compensation for homeowners through the National Flood Insurance Program for properties at imminent risk of collapse due to chronic erosion. Murphy’s proposed bill would authorize payments for homes that have been condemned and allow for advance funds for demolition or relocation, as proactive measures to safeguard impacted residents.

Coastal experts warn that parts of the Outer Banks are losing more than 15 feet of coastline yearly, a situation exacerbated by rising sea levels and increasingly aggressive storms. Since 1987, around 675 feet of shoreline have been lost in these areas. The National Park Service reported that in just the past week, eight homes have collapsed on the Outer Banks. Disturbing videos have surfaced, showing waves and coastal flooding resulting in severe damage, particularly in Buxton.

Looking ahead, scientists predict that rising sea levels could increase by up to 14 inches by 2050, leading to more frequent flooding and erosional disasters. The natural configuration of the Outer Banks—characterized as narrow barrier islands of sand—makes them particularly vulnerable to storms and erosion. Additionally, human structures such as roads and houses can further exacerbate erosion by restricting the natural flow of sand and impeding vegetation growth.

As the crisis continues, the National Park Service is actively monitoring homes at risk of collapse. The agency is ensuring that debris from any collapses is promptly cleared to prevent environmental hazards. Local governments are communicating necessary repairs and advising homeowners on relocating properties at risk of collapse to safer areas.

In ongoing efforts to manage these risks, the National Park Service has taken the proactive step of purchasing homes that are in imminent danger of collapse. Funds are being allocated for the demolition of these homes, allowing restoration of beachfront areas without using taxpayer money.

Key Concerns Regarding Coastal Erosion in North Carolina

• 11 vacation homes have fallen into the Atlantic since mid-September 2025.
• A total of 22 homes have been lost since 2020 due to storms and erosion.
• Areas are losing over 15 feet of coastline annually, with 675 feet lost since 1987.
• Strong storms such as Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto have contributed to collapses.
• Rising sea levels may increase by 14 inches by 2050, intensifying the risk of flooding.

Potential Solutions and Legislative Actions

• Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy is advocating for the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025.
• The Act aims to provide earlier compensation for homes at risk of collapse.
• Proposed measures include advance payouts for demolition and relocation.

Future Monitoring and Actions

• The National Park Service is monitoring at-risk homes and clearing debris promptly.
• Local governments are advising homeowners on necessary actions to address risk.
• Efforts by the National Park Service include purchasing at-risk homes for safe demolition.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragedy Strikes in Buxton as Homes Fall Into the Ocean
Buxton, Hatteras Island Devastated by Hurricane Damage
Coastal Erosion Claims Another Home in Buxton
North Carolina Attracts Millions of Visitors
Buxton Residents Voice Concerns Over Coastal Erosion
Tenth Home Collapses into Ocean in Buxton, NC
Oceanfront Homes Continue to Collapse in Buxton, NC
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

Additional Resources

• Fox Weather: 11th Home Collapses in North Carolina Outer Banks
• Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
• Star News Online: Outer Banks Coastal Erosion
• Google Search: Outer Banks Hurricane Erosion
• USA Today: Map and Video of Collapsed Houses
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
• WRAL: Expert on Erosion and House Collapses
• News Observer: North Carolina Coastal Erosion
• Realtor: Luxury Homes in Outer Banks Washed Away
• Insurance Journal: Homes Affected by Erosion
• AccuWeather: 9 Homes Collapsed into the Surf

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.