Buxton, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Buxton is grappling with a significant threat from coastal erosion as an unoccupied oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean. This incident highlights an increasing trend of shoreline collapses, with 12 homes having succumbed to the waves along Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the last five years. Local officials warn that more than 40 homes are at immediate risk, and rising sea levels coupled with severe storms are exacerbating the situation. Urgent action and potential legislative changes are needed to address these concerns and protect vulnerable coastal properties.
Buxton is facing a severe threat as an unoccupied oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on September 16, 2025. This incident marks the 12th home collapse along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the past five years, highlighting an alarming trend of increased shoreline erosion and rising sea levels. The collapsed house was located at 46227 Tower Circle Road in Buxton, drawing attention to the urgent need for solutions to protect coastal properties.
Officials have issued warnings for visitors to stay away from the surrounding beach due to debris concerns from the collapse. In addition, the National Park Service (NPS) is advising the public to avoid the north end of Rodanthe, an area where many threatened oceanfront structures are at risk. Over 100 miles of shoreline in Dare County are experiencing ongoing erosion, with every beach in the area showing signs of deterioration.
The erosion rate in Buxton has significantly increased compared to previous years, with structures that once remained intact for five years now only lasting two to three before succumbing to the elements. Experts attribute this to rising sea levels and more frequent storms, further exacerbating coastal challenges. In the last five years alone, approximately 40 homes in the Outer Banks are at immediate risk, with 4 or 5 homes being particularly vulnerable. Recently, Hurricane Erin impacted the Outer Banks, causing ocean overwash, beach erosion, and flooding, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The delay in taking preemptive action on at-risk homes can be partially traced to insurance policies that necessitate homes to be nearly collapsed before any action can be initiated. According to local officials, there is currently no available funding or grants for proactive measures, leading to calls for legislative changes aimed at addressing these pressing issues. Proposals have been made suggesting the use of homeowners’ insurance money to proactively remove homes at risk rather than waiting for them to collapse.
The cleanup costs associated with homes that collapse typically range from $35,000 to $50,000, with homeowners generally bearing these expenses. Once a house collapses into the waterline, the National Park Service takes over the process of debris cleanup, which has prompted the NPS to submit reports to Congress outlining the ongoing battle against coastal erosion.
Some homes in the area are now located within an intertidal zone, becoming exposed during low tides and partially submerged during high tides. In certain regions of Buxton, erosion has exceeded 10 feet annually, further threatening existing properties. In response, local contractors have been hired to manage debris removal from collapsed homes, showcasing community efforts to deal with the crisis. Discussions have also begun between the state and oceanfront homeowners regarding potential solutions, including relocation options in light of the ongoing erosion concerns.
Key Impacts of Coastal Erosion
- 12 homes collapsed along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the past five years.
- 40 homes are at immediate risk, with 4-5 particularly vulnerable.
- Costs for debris cleanup range from $35,000 to $50,000 per collapsed home.
- Erosion exceeding 10 feet annually in some areas.
- Over 100 miles of Dare County’s shoreline is affected by erosion.
FAQ
What happened on September 16, 2025, in Buxton?
An unoccupied oceanfront home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean.
How many homes have collapsed in the area over the last five years?
This marks the 12th home collapse along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
What are the risks posed by coastal erosion in Buxton?
Buxton is facing an increasing erosion rate, with approximately 40 homes at immediate risk.
What are the cleanup costs associated with a collapsed home?
Cleanup costs range from $35,000 to $50,000, typically borne by homeowners.
Who is responsible for debris cleanup once a house falls into the waterline?
The National Park Service takes over the debris cleanup process after a home collapses.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Collapses | 12 homes in five years |
| Immediate Risk | 40 homes |
| Cleanup Costs | $35,000 to $50,000 |
| Erosion Rate | Exceeds 10 feet annually in parts of Buxton |
| Affected Shoreline | Over 100 miles in Dare County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two-Story Beachfront Home Collapses in Buxton, NC
Beachfront Cottage Collapses into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Coastal Hazards Advisory for North Carolina Amid Rising Rip Current Risks
Rip Current Warning Issued for North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Power Pole Explosion in Kitty Hawk Due to Thunderstorms
Beachfront House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Beachfront Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Home Collapses into the Atlantic in Buxton
Buxton, North Carolina: Another Beachfront Home Collapses Due to Erosion
Beach House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Erosion Risk
Additional Resources
- WRAL News
- WTKR News
- Fox Weather
- AP News
- The Coastland Times
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Google Search: Outer Banks home collapse
- Google Scholar: coastal erosion North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- Google News: Buxton 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.
