Seven Homes Collapse into the Atlantic in Buxton, NC

Buxton, North Carolina, October 27, 2025

News Summary

In Buxton, North Carolina, seven homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean amid the fierce waves brought by Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. The collapses occurred as high surf conditions and strong winds devastated the coastline. Thankfully, all homes were unoccupied at the time of the incidents and no injuries were reported. This alarming trend raises serious concerns about coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities along the Outer Banks.

Buxton, NC: Homes Collapse into the Atlantic Amid Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda

In a devastating incident on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, seven homes collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean this week as massive waves from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda wreaked havoc along the coast. The most recent collapse occurred on Wednesday night around 8 p.m., following a series of other collapses that began earlier in the week.

On Tuesday alone, at least five homes collapsed within a span of 45 minutes, starting around 2 p.m. A sixth home was destroyed later that night. All homes were unoccupied at the time of the incidents, and there were no reported injuries, according to officials from Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The destruction of homes was exacerbated by surf conditions, with wave heights on September 30 estimated to be between 8 to 12 feet. The coastal area also experienced high winds ranging from 35 to 45 mph. Due to the hazardous conditions, local officials declared an entire oceanfront area in Buxton closed for public safety.

Significant Destruction and Coastal Erosion

The homes that collapsed on Tuesday included three on Cottage Avenue and two on Tower Circle Road. Local resident Hunter Hicks described the scene as sounding “like bombs going off” as homes crashed into the water. This alarming trend is not new; since 2020, a total of 19 privately-owned houses in the Seashore’s beaches have reportedly collapsed, primarily due to coastal erosion.

The frequency and severity of these collapses have prompted urgent discussions among local officials, property owners, and insurance companies about home condemnation, removal, and the management of coastal erosion. Recent collapses also follow another incident two weeks prior, magnifying the urgency for action to prevent further damage.

Heather Jennette from the Buxton Civic Association noted a growing sense of impending change and emphasized the need for legislative assistance to address the issue of coastal erosion. Experts have indicated that barrier islands like the Outer Banks are inherently unsuitable for extensive development due to their dynamic nature and vulnerability to severe weather and erosion.

Ongoing Coastal Flood Advisories

As conditions remain precarious, portions of eastern North Carolina were placed under coastal flood advisories and warnings, with dangerously high surf conditions expected to continue. The recent collapses serve as a stark reminder of the serious implications of climate change and rising sea levels on coastal communities.

Conclusion

The unfortunate events in Buxton underscore a critical need for proactive measures to address the pressing issues of coastal erosion and to safeguard the futures of homes and families in vulnerable areas along the coast.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hurricanes Cause Six Homes to Collapse into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Hurricane Erin Threatens East Coast with Flooding
North Carolina General Assembly Approves Ferry Funding
Northern Outer Banks: The Perfect Family Beach Destination
East Carolina University Plans Unique Credentialing Program
Cleanup Intensifies in Buxton, North Carolina After Home Collapses
Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Tragedy Strikes in Buxton as Homes Fall Into the Ocean
Buxton, Hatteras Island Devastated by Hurricane Damage
Coastal Erosion Claims Another Home in Buxton

Additional Resources

• The Washington Post
• USA Today
• Fox Weather
• AP News
• CBS News
• Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
• Google Search: Outer Banks homes collapse
• Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion North Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
• Google News: Buxton homes collapse

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.