Buxton, North Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, six unoccupied homes collapsed into the ocean due to powerful waves from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. The incident occurred during a high tide, with five homes collapsing within 45 minutes, and another overnight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Ongoing erosion and dangerous ocean conditions pose future risks, while local cleanup efforts are underway to remove debris from the coastline.
Buxton, North Carolina – Six unoccupied homes along North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean due to waves from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda on September 30, 2025. The collapses, which occurred during a dangerous high tide, took place in the town of Buxton, specifically on Cottage Avenue and Tower Circle Road.
Of the six homes affected, five collapsed within a span of 45 minutes during the afternoon, while another fell overnight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the incident. However, local officials have highlighted this event as the latest in a series of home collapses along the erosion-plagued coast of North Carolina.
The National Park Service has warned that further collapses are possible under current ocean conditions, with surf heights estimated between 8 to 12 feet on the day of the incident. The dangerous weather conditions resulting from the two hurricanes are expected to persist for several more days.
The shoreline in Buxton has receded an average of 68 feet, with some locations experiencing losses as significant as 141 feet due to recent storms. Research conducted by RCOAST indicated that storm overwash pushed sand as far as 298 feet inland. The nine homes lost during this recent event had a combined value exceeding $5 million, and many were built between 1973 and 1998.
In response to the crisis, Dare County officials reported that seven of the eight Buxton homeowners have started debris removal efforts with the help of private contractors. Over the preceding weekend, approximately 40 National Park Service employees assisted in clearing around 140 truckloads of debris from the beach.
Erosion rates in Buxton and nearby Rodanthe have been consistently between 10 to 15 feet per year for several decades, a situation worsened by rising sea levels. According to a report, out of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina, around 750 are considered at risk from erosion.
Cleanup efforts in Buxton are ongoing and are expected to continue, particularly as forecasts indicate the potential for king tides and coastal low pressures, which could contribute to additional erosion and further collapses. Local officials and scientists stress that the issues faced in the Outer Banks are indicative of broader problems encountered by coastal communities across the nation.
Potential solutions being explored include utilizing dredged sand for beach replenishment, alongside seeking state or federal funding to buy out and demolish homes exposed to the threat of erosion. The National Park Service has advised visitors to stay clear of areas around the collapsed homes due to hazardous debris, and a specific section of Buxton’s beachfront has been closed for public safety. Furthermore, a portion of North Carolina Highway 12 has also been closed due to ocean overwash.
FAQ
What caused the homes in Buxton to collapse?
Six unoccupied houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean due to waves from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
When did the collapses occur?
The collapses occurred on September 30, 2025, during a dangerous high tide.
How many homes collapsed, and were there any injuries?
Six unoccupied homes collapsed, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
What are the ongoing cleanup efforts?
Seven of the eight Buxton homeowners have begun debris removal efforts with private contractors, and National Park Service employees previously assisted in removing approximately 140 truckloads of debris.
What are the future implications for the coastline?
The National Park Service has stated further collapses are possible due to ongoing ocean conditions, and the shoreline has retreated an average of 68 feet in affected areas.
Key Features of the Erosion Crisis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina’s Outer Banks |
| Number of Homes Collapsed | 6 unoccupied homes |
| Date of Incident | September 30, 2025 |
| Value of Homes Lost | Over $5 million |
| Shoreline Retreat Rate | 68 feet on average |
| Ongoing Cleanup | Debris removal by homeowners and National Park Service |
| Future Risks | Potential for further collapses and hazardous conditions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Erosion Causes Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC
Fall Serenity Awaits in Nags Head, Outer Banks
Coastal Storm Threatens Outer Banks This Weekend
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Crisis as Coastal Erosion Leads to House Collapses
Hurricane Erin Weakens: Recovery Begins in North Carolina
Severe Coastal Erosion Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Outer Banks Tackles Housing Crisis Amid Tourism Surge
Nags Head Homes Devoured by Atlantic Waves
Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- NC Rabbit Hole
- Washington Post
- USA Today
- AP News
- Wikipedia: Erosion
- Google Search: Coastal Erosion in North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Shoreline Erosion Impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- Google News: North Carolina Beach Collapses
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.
