Coastal Home in Buxton Falls Victim to Erosion

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News Summary

A home in Buxton, North Carolina has collapsed due to severe erosion, raising alarm among residents and vacationers regarding coastal stability. Built in 1969, the property was once safely positioned behind a lush dune but has succumbed to intensified storm activity tied to climate change. Authorities have declared additional homes in the area uninhabitable as erosion continues to threaten the coastline. With forecasts predicting more storms for the future, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for homeowners in the Outer Banks.

Coastal Home Collapses in Buxton Amidst Erosion Concerns for Outer Banks

Buxton, North Carolina is grappling with the repercussions of an oceanfront home collapse that occurred on Tuesday, leaving residents and vacationers alike sensing a looming concern about coastal stability. This once picturesque property, situated on Tower Circle in a charming, unincorporated community north of Cape Hatteras on Hatteras Island, fell victim to the harsh forces of nature.

Originally built in 1969, this home enjoyed a secure position behind a lush vegetated dune, giving it a prime spot to soak in the ocean views. However, increased storm activity connected to climate change has drastically exacerbated beach erosion, putting many similar homes at risk. The situation has caught the eye of authorities, including Mike Barber, a spokesperson for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, who shared that park officials had been keeping a watchful eye on this property.

With the homeowner already working with a contractor to clear the resulting debris, it’s evident that the consequences of living along the coast can be devastating. The beach area where the home once stood had already been off-limits since Hurricane Erin in August, a storm that, despite being 200 miles offshore, generated significant waves responsible for erosion along the East Coast.

Following the havoc wrought by Hurricane Erin, Dare County inspectors stepped in, declaring 34 homes in Buxton uninhabitable. Some of these homes suffered serious structural damage, while others had minor issues such as exposed septic tanks. Nearby, residents in Rodanthe, about 25 miles north, are also feeling the heat as their group of homes is considered at risk due to ongoing erosion.

Looking to the future, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is potentially set to bring up to 19 named storms and 10 hurricanes. While current forecasts suggest Tropical Storm Gabrielle will veer away from the East Coast, the area isn’t out of danger yet. Recent winds ranging from 30 mph to 38 mph have further destabilized housing conditions, reaffirming that coastal life is becoming increasingly precarious.

For homeowners who have invested in federal flood insurance, the challenges remain immense. Many policies only cover the removal of a property after it has already collapsed, leaving families in difficult predicaments. To combat this, the National Park Service has employed special funds aimed at removing homes in imminent danger of collapse, but the need is growing.

As if to emphasize the urgency, James Hartshorne, a former homeowner in the area, reflects on the emotional toll the rapid loss of properties has taken. In just a few short weeks, eight homes succumbed to the unyielding tides, continuing to prompt feelings of uncertainty among those still standing.

Residents and vacationers have not turned a blind eye to the observable changes over the years. Many have voiced their worries over the relentless beach erosion that has turned a beloved landscape into a site of concern. Recent storms exacerbated the situation even more, leading to road closures on NC-12 due to flooding and overwash, further isolating the community.

In this worrying trend, ten homes between Buxton and Rodanthe have crumbled this year alone due to coastal erosion, leaving homeowners anxious about the fate of their own properties. As fears grow and new storms loom on the horizon, the future stability of homes along the Outer Banks remains an increasingly pressing issue.

As towns like Buxton battle the elements, the true cost of coastal living continues to reveal itself—one home at a time.

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HERE Resources

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Nor’easter Disrupts Travel in the Outer Banks, North Carolina
Highway 12 Reopens on Hatteras Island After Repairs
Powerful Nor’easter Causes Destruction in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Leads to Home Collapses in Buxton, N.C.
Nor’easter Causes Road Closures and Coastal Damage in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens in Hatteras; Ocracoke Island Highway Still Closed
Severe Ocean Overwash Forces Shutdowns of NC Highway 12
Nor’easter Batters Buxton, North Carolina with Flooding
Sections of NC 12 Closed Due to Ocean Overwash in Outer Banks

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.