Buxton, NC, September 17, 2025
News Summary
An unoccupied oceanfront home in Buxton, NC, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the 12th home lost to coastal erosion since 2020. Officials have warned visitors to avoid the surrounding beach due to potential debris and have issued safety advisories. The incident raises concerns about the ongoing effects of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is monitoring the situation closely.
Buxton, NC
On Tuesday afternoon, an oceanfront home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant event for the region. Officials from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore have reported that this incident is the 12th home to fall into the sea on Seashore beaches since 2020. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on the area.
The compromised home was located at 46227 Tower Circle Road in Buxton and was unoccupied at the time of its collapse. As a precautionary measure, officials are advising visitors to avoid the surrounding beach and stay out of the water due to potential debris from the collapse. Currently, a pre-existing beach safety closure is in effect, extending from the north end of Buxton to approximately off-road vehicle ramp 43. This closure may require future adjustment depending on the debris field created by the recent incident.
Further precautionary advice has also been issued for the north end of Rodanthe, where nearby oceanfront structures are reported to be at risk. The last recorded home collapse in the outer banks region occurred in November in Rodanthe, contributing to a concerning history of home losses in the area.
Recent Trends in Home Collapses
The recent collapse in Buxton is part of a worrying trend where four homes within a period of just over a month fell prey to coastal erosion prior to this incident. It has raised questions and discussions around the implications of climate change and sea level rise, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas such as Rodanthe and Buxton. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has noted that many threatened structures can be found in these regions, leading to heightened awareness among visitors and residents alike.
Advice for Visitors
Background Context
Buxton is part of the scenic Outer Banks region, which has long been noted for its stunning beaches but also faces challenges including erosion and severe weather patterns often linked to climate change. The collapsed home incident emphasizes the ongoing risks associated with marine environments and the need for long-term strategies to protect coastal communities.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 46227 Tower Circle Road, Buxton, NC |
| Incident Date | Tuesday afternoon |
| Home Status | Unoccupied at the time of collapse |
| Number of Homes Lost Since 2020 | 12 |
| Previous Collapse | Last incident in Rodanthe occurred in November |
| Closure Area | From north end of Buxton to near off-road vehicle ramp 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the oceanfront home collapse in Buxton?
The collapse is believed to result from ongoing coastal erosion, which has been exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels.
How many homes have collapsed in the area since 2020?
A total of 12 homes have collapsed on Seashore beaches since 2020.
Are there any safety advisories for visitors?
Yes, visitors are advised to avoid the surrounding beach and stay out of the water due to potential debris from the collapse.
What areas should visitors avoid?
Visitors should avoid the north end of Buxton and the north end of Rodanthe due to the risk associated with threatened structures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Ocracoke, North Carolina Faces Aftermath of Hurricane Erin
Motorist Delays on N.C. Highway 12 Due to Waterline Project
Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market
North Carolina Braces for Hurricane Erin: Emergency Declarations and Evacuations Issued
Hurricane Erin Causes Flooding and Erosion Along U.S. East Coast
Access Restored to Hatteras Island After Hurricane Erin
N.C. Highway 12 Reopens for Travel After Hurricane Erin
N.C. 12 Reopens Following Hurricane Erin Impact
Hazardous Beach Conditions in North Carolina Due to Hurricane Erin
Additional Resources
- WTKR: 12th Home Collapses into the Ocean in Buxton
- WRAL: Home Collapse NC Coast 12th in Five Years
- Pilot Online: 12th Seashore Beach House in 5 Years Collapses in Hatteras Island
- CBS 17: Beachside House Collapses in NC Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- Google Search: Beach Erosion North Carolina
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.
