Buxton, North Carolina, October 4, 2025

News Summary

In Buxton, North Carolina, eight homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean following powerful waves from Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The destruction unfolded rapidly, with five homes collapsing within 45 minutes on a single day, compounded by ongoing coastal erosion trends reported by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but experts warn of the deteriorating shoreline as rising sea levels and erosion intensify the risks for coastal communities.

Buxton, North Carolina

Eight homes in Buxton, North Carolina, have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean as a result of powerful waves generated by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The devastating collapses occurred over a few days, with five homes tumbling into the ocean within a mere 45 minutes on September 30, 2025, starting at approximately 2 p.m. A sixth home also collapsed later that day, and further incidents continued to occur, bringing the total number of homes lost to eight. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from these incidents.

Drone footage captured dramatic images of the homes crashing into each other as debris scattered across the beach. This incident is part of a larger trend monitored by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which reported that 19 privately-owned homes have collapsed on the beaches since 2020 due to ongoing coastal erosion.

Factors Contributing to Coastal Erosion

Coastal experts emphasize that rising sea levels, flooding, rip currents, and accelerated erosion are major factors contributing to the decline of the Outer Banks’ shoreline. Since 1987, approximately 675 feet of shoreline have been lost in the Outer Banks. A 2023 study highlighted that the area of Rodanthe is losing over 15 feet of coastline per year, illustrating the alarming rate at which the region is deteriorating.

The Outer Banks are characterized by narrow barrier islands made predominantly of sand, leaving them particularly vulnerable to erosion caused by waves and storm surges. The lack of natural barriers, such as rocky cliffs or mangroves that can absorb wave energy, exacerbates the risks posed during severe weather events.

Impact of Hurricane Conditions

During the recent storm, the National Seashore reported that wave heights were estimated to be between 8 to 12 feet. The region has faced a growing concern regarding coastline retreat over the past few decades, primarily attributed to human development impacting natural sand movement and ongoing sea level rise.

According to federal projections, sea levels could rise by as much as 14 inches by 2050, leading to a tenfold increase in the number of days affected by coastal flooding. Local real estate agents have noted that conditions along the Outer Banks are precariously unstable due to continuous erosion and the impact of storms, indicating that further collapses of homes are expected as hazardous conditions persist.

Conclusion

The collapse of these eight homes serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by coastal communities, with ongoing erosion and extreme weather significantly threatening the Outer Banks. As the region grapples with these environmental pressures, residents, officials, and experts will need to address the risks associated with living in such vulnerable areas.

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Key Features of the Incident

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Buxton Neighborhood Disappears into the Atlantic Ocean
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
High Surf Advisory Issued for Outer Banks Amid Hurricane Erin

Additional Resources

• Weather.com: North Carolina Beach Homes Collapse in Imelda Waves
• Wikipedia: Hurricane
• Fox Weather: North Carolina Outer Banks Buxton Homes Collapse
• Google Search: North Carolina Outer Banks homes collapse
• AccuWeather: 7 More Homes Collapse into the Ocean on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
• Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion North Carolina
• ABC7: Hurricane Imelda – 8 Waterfront Homes Outer Banks Collapse
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
• USA Today: Houses Collapse in North Carolina Outer Banks
• Google News: Hurricane Imelda

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.