Buxton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary In Buxton, North Carolina, a twelfth home has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to severe erosion and coastal storms. The recent incident, which involved an unoccupied stilt home, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the community in the Outer Banks. Cleanup efforts are underway as authorities urge locals and visitors to avoid dangerous beach areas. Since May 2020, a total of 12 homes have succumbed to the relentless forces of nature, emphasizing the urgent need for relocation strategies for vulnerable oceanfront properties. Buxton, North Carolina – A twelfth home has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the severe impact of erosion, rising seas, and churning storms on the Outer Banks over the past five years. The events unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when an unoccupied beachfront stilt home in Buxton succumbed to the relentless surf. This two-story, wood-shingled structure was situated at the north end of Hatteras Island. The collapse coincided with a coastal storm that brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region. As a result, debris from the fallen house covered the beach, necessitating cleanup efforts by staff from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A contractor has been engaged by the homeowner to assist in the removal of the wreckage associated with the latest collapse. Since May 2020, there have been eleven additional home collapses, primarily in the village of Rodanthe, the easternmost point in North Carolina. Many residences in both Buxton and Rodanthe are currently located in an intertidal zone that is submerged during high tides, increasing their vulnerability to erosion and storm damage. In light of these incidents, the National Park Service (NPS) is advising visitors to steer clear of beaches in Buxton and the northern end of Rodanthe due to hazards presented by endangered oceanfront homes and scattered debris resulting from these collapses. Ongoing coastal erosion has been intensified by recurrent coastal storms, influencing the frequency of home collapses in the area. The NPS had earlier submitted a report to Congress in December 2024, detailing the continuous struggle against coastal erosion. Additionally, the state released its report on this critical issue in summer 2024. Collaborative efforts between the NPS and Dare County officials are underway, urging homeowners of oceanfront properties to consider relocation whenever feasible. As part of a broader strategy to combat erosion, the NPS utilized the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire and demolish two unoccupied properties in Rodanthe. Various homes experienced significant risks during a recent brush with Hurricane Erin, although they ultimately remained standing amid the storm. The Dare County Government alongside the state Department of Environmental Quality is organizing a Q&A session focused on these ongoing coastal erosion challenges, specifically aimed at oceanfront homeowners. The Outer Banks continue to face annual battles against hurricanes and coastal storms, placing persistent pressure on the stability of residences along the shore. In light of recent weather conditions, the Basnight Bridge near the Outer Banks was temporarily closed after a modular home blew off its trailer during the storm, further emphasizing the associated hazards affecting the region. Key Details Violating Coastal Homes: 12 homes collapsed over the past five years Recent Incident: House collapsed in Buxton during a coastal storm Ongoing Cleanup: Efforts are being made for debris removal Communities Affected: Rodanthe and Buxton are at risk FAQ How many homes have collapsed along North Carolina’s Outer Banks? A total of 12 homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean due to erosion, rising seas, and churning storms over the past five years. Where did the latest home collapse occur? The latest collapse occurred in Buxton, North Carolina, specifically a two-story stilt home at the north end of Hatteras Island. What is being done regarding the debris from the collapsed home? The Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff is engaged in cleanup efforts, and the homeowner has hired a contractor to remove the debris associated with the collapse. What measures are authorities taking to address coastal erosion? The National Park Service and Dare County officials are working to encourage oceanfront homeowners to relocate. They also submitted a report to Congress and organized Q&A sessions for homeowners regarding coastal erosion. Coastal Erosion Impact Overview Aspect Details Total Home Collapses 12 homes Latest Collapse Location Buxton, North Carolina Previous Collapses Location Rodanthe, North Carolina Recent Storm Effects Debris spread and hazards identified Authority Actions Cleanup operations and homeowner relocation efforts Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Buxton House Collapse Raises Safety Concerns Updated Beach Hazards and Coastal Flood Advisory in Northern Outer Banks 12th House Collapse in Buxton, NC Highlights Coastal Safety Risks Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge Ocracoke Island Road Closure Due to Severe Weather Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market N.C. Highway 12 Reopens for Travel After Hurricane Erin Precautionary Swimming Advisory Issued for Outer Banks Housing Survey Launched for Outer Banks Workers Additional Resources ABC News: Beachfront Stilt House Collapses Wikipedia: Outer Banks Washington Post: Outer Banks House Collapse Google Search: Outer Banks coastal erosion Fox Weather: 12th Home Collapses in Outer Banks Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion The Hill: Outer Banks Home Collapse Google News: Coastal Storm Outer Banks
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.
