Buxton, North Carolina, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina, faced a natural disaster this week as six unoccupied homes collapsed and were swept away by powerful ocean waves from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The collapse occurred rapidly in one afternoon, causing significant debris and complicating cleanup efforts. Coastal Flood Warnings are in effect, and officials have closed North Carolina’s Highway 12 due to dangerous conditions. This event highlights ongoing challenges with coastal erosion in the region, which has seen a troubling rise in home collapses in recent years.
Buxton, North Carolina experienced a significant natural disaster this week as six unoccupied homes collapsed and were swept into the Atlantic Ocean due to powerful waves generated by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. This unsettling event occurred since Tuesday, with five of the homes collapsing in rapid succession during a single afternoon beginning around 2 p.m. ET.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from these collapses. Local resident Hunter Hicks described the scene as “insane,” with booming sounds echoing like explosions as windows shattered and structural pylons cracked, resulting in houses being washed away. The devastation was evident, with debris from the collapsed homes merging, complicating cleanup efforts in the area.
Of the six homes affected, three were located on Cottage Avenue, while the remaining two were positioned on nearby Tower Circle Road. Eyewitnesses noted that the damage to the community was “unmeasurable” and “devastating,” with ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath.
Coastal Flood Warnings have been issued for Ocracoke Island and are expected to remain in effect until Friday evening, with predictions of ocean inundation of 2-3 feet above ground level. The National Weather Service has urged caution, indicating that flooding could extend inland, potentially threatening homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure.
In response to dangerous travel conditions caused by ocean overwash, North Carolina’s Highway 12 has been closed along the north end of Ocracoke Island. Officials predict that additional home collapses may occur throughout the week as heavy surf continues to batter the coastline.
The estimated taxable building value of the six collapsed homes is around $2.7 million. This disaster adds to a troubling trend, as nearly a dozen homes have collapsed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks since mid-September due to back-to-back hurricanes and coastal storms. The National Park Service reports that a total of 22 homes have collapsed on the National Seashore in North Carolina since 2020 because of erosion and rising seas.
Beach renourishment projects have been implemented to combat the erosion, but they face significant funding challenges, with costs approximated at $10 million per mile. The population of the unincorporated Village of Rodanthe is fewer than 1,000 residents, limiting the ability to generate enough funding for these essential projects.
In an effort to address the ongoing issues related to coastal erosion, Congressman Greg Murphy has introduced the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act. This proposed legislation aims to allow insurance policies to pay homeowners upfront for the removal or relocation of homes that are at risk of collapsing. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been passed.
Cleanup of the debris is underway, but authorities predict that it will be a complicated task given the scope of the destruction and the potential for further collapses in the coming days.
FAQ
What happened in Buxton, North Carolina?
Six unoccupied homes collapsed and were swept into the Atlantic Ocean due to powerful waves from hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
When did the collapses occur?
Five of the six collapses occurred within about 45 minutes on a Tuesday afternoon, starting around 2 p.m. ET.
Were there any injuries reported?
There are no reports of injuries from the collapses.
What did local residents describe the scene as?
Local resident Hunter Hicks described the scene as “insane,” with sounds resembling “bombs going off” as windows and pylons cracked, and houses were washed away.
Where were the collapsed homes located?
Three of the collapsed homes were located on Cottage Avenue, while two others were on nearby Tower Circle Road.
What are the potential impacts of the flooding?
The National Weather Service cautioned that flooding could extend inland, threatening homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
What is being done to address the coastal erosion?
Beach renourishment projects have been ongoing but face funding challenges, and Congressman Greg Murphy introduced the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act to assist affected homeowners.
Key Features of the Collapse Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Number of Homes Affected | Six unoccupied homes |
| Time of Incident | Tuesday afternoon, starting around 2 p.m. ET |
| Estimated Value of Homes | $2.7 million |
| Flood Warnings | In effect for Ocracoke Island until Friday evening |
| Potential Flood Inundation | 2-3 feet above ground level |
| Total Collapses Since September | Nearly a dozen homes in Outer Banks |
| Total Collapses Since 2020 | 22 homes reported by National Park Service |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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.
