Buxton, North Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, an entire neighborhood is at risk as homes collapse into the Atlantic Ocean due to erosion exacerbated by recent hurricanes. An alarming series of collapses has left 19 homes down since 2020, raising safety concerns and prompting beach closures. Experts warn of future risks as adverse weather conditions persist. The community, once a desirable vacation spot, is now facing an uncertain future as the forces of nature threaten its very existence.
Buxton, North Carolina is facing a serious threat as an entire neighborhood is disappearing into the Atlantic Ocean due to Hurricane-induced erosion. On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 2, 2025, a home located at 46221 Tower Circle Road collapsed, marking the eighth such incident within just four days. The recent collapses are part of a worrying trend that has seen a total of 19 homes fall on Hatteras Island since 2020, with additional homes being demolished while still standing.
The chain of events leading to these collapses began on Monday, October 1, 2025, when five homes collapsed in quick succession on Tuesday—two on Tower Circle Road and three on Cottage Avenue—between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Remarkably, all the homes that fell were unoccupied at the time of their collapse. The collapse of the home on Tower Circle Road occurred just a few hours after these initial incidents, showcasing the dire situation in this coastal area.
The collapses have created hazardous debris along the Outer Banks, necessitating the closure of beaches in Buxton and northern Rodanthe by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Safety concerns over the danger posed by threatened oceanfront structures prompted these beach closures. While owners of the collapsed homes have been contacted regarding debris clean-up, their cleanup plans remain vague at this time. As of October 3, 2025, about two dozen staff members from the National Park Service began debris collection efforts south of Buxton.
Experts have issued warnings that dozens more homes are at risk, particularly with adverse weather conditions expected from Hurricane Imelda and the remnants of Hurricane Humberto. These storms are anticipated to generate large waves, coastal flooding, and wave runup impacts that could further threaten homes along the Outer Banks throughout the week. Current high surf advisories remain in effect, with offshore buoys reporting wave heights up to 14 feet.
The alarming frequency of home collapses in Buxton has residents expressing immense distress. What was once considered a beloved vacation destination is now a site threatened by nature’s forces. The effects of rising sea levels and worsening erosion, exacerbated by the absence of protective sand dunes, have left many homes vulnerable to the breaking waves that accompany storm conditions.
In total, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has experienced 20 homes collapsing into the ocean over the past five years. The last reported home collapse prior to the recent incidents was on September 17, 2025. Moving forward, it remains uncertain what measures could be taken to better protect the community and prevent future collapses in this continuously eroding coastal area.
FAQ
- What recent event occurred in Buxton, North Carolina? An entire neighborhood is disappearing as homes collapse into the Atlantic Ocean, with the latest collapse on October 2, 2025, being the eighth incident in four days.
- How many homes have collapsed in Hatteras Island since 2020? A total of 19 homes have collapsed on Hatteras Island since 2020, with two additional homes having been demolished while still standing.
- What caused the beach closures in Buxton and northern Rodanthe? The Cape Hatteras National Seashore closed the beaches due to safety concerns regarding threatened oceanfront structures that may break apart during the ongoing high surf conditions.
- What is currently affecting home stability in Buxton? The wind and waves generated by Hurricane Imelda and remnants of Hurricane Humberto are creating adverse conditions that threaten the stability of homes along the Outer Banks.
- What has been done about the debris from the collapsed homes? The owners of the collapsed homes have been contacted about cleaning up the debris, while the National Park Service has begun collection efforts.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Incident Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Number of Homes Collapsed | 8 homes within 4 days, 19 since 2020 |
| Storms Affecting Area | Hurricane Imelda, remnants of Hurricane Humberto |
| Beach Closures | Yes, due to safety concerns |
| High Surf Advisory | Waves reported up to 14 feet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eighth Home Collapses into Ocean in Buxton, NC
Six Homes Collapse into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, NC
Eighth House Collapses in Buxton Amid Erosion Crisis
Hurricanes Cause Severe Damage in Buxton, NC
Houses Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Coastal Flood Watch Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Coastal Flood Advisory for Northern Outer Banks Amid Hurricane Erin
House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Coastal Erosion Crisis
Additional Resources
- AccuWeather: 7 More Homes Collapse
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Imelda
- Fox Weather: 8th House Collapse
- Google Search: Buxton North Carolina homes collapse
- CBS News: Homes Collapse in Buxton
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion Hatteras Island
- Washington Post: Outer Banks House Collapse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- CNN: Outer Banks House Collapses
- Google News: North Carolina Beach House 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.
