Buxton, North Carolina, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Buxton, North Carolina, experienced devastating coastal erosion, leading to the collapse of eight unoccupied homes into the Atlantic Ocean due to hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The incidents occurred between September 30 and October 2 amid high tides and wave heights of 8 to 12 feet. The ongoing erosion, accelerating at 4 feet annually, raises concerns for coastal communities, as federal projections indicate significant sea-level rise by 2050. Cleanup efforts are underway, highlighting the growing crisis that coastal living presents in this region.
Buxton, North Carolina witnessed a significant coastal erosion event, with eight unoccupied homes collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean following severe weather conditions brought on by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. The first five homes fell between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on September 30, while additional collapses took place on October 1 and 2, adding to the devastation in a short span. The National Park Service confirmed that the eighth house fell on the evening of October 2, marking the total number of collapses at eight.
The homes affected were located primarily along Cottage Avenue and Tower Circle Road, which faced surging waves and high tide conditions that were exacerbated by the two hurricanes. On the day of the first five collapses, wave heights were estimated to have reached between 8 to 12 feet. Continuing large waves were recorded late into October 2, although the National Weather Service forecasted improving conditions soon after.
The ongoing erosion highlights the escalating crisis faced by coastal communities in this region. Since May 2020, Buxton and the surrounding Outer Banks have lost a total of 20 homes due to ocean encroachment, with accelerating erosion rates reported at approximately 4 feet per year. In some areas, particularly Buxton and Rodanthe, erosion rates have been steady for decades, ranging from 10 to 15 feet annually. Moreover, federal projections suggest that sea levels could rise by as much as 14 inches by 2050, which would increase coastal flooding days tenfold.
Winter nor’easters also contribute to the damaging effects along the coastline, imperiling homes that were built more than 20 years ago, often situated several lots back from the beach. The continual loss of properties has prompted years of discussion among community residents and local, state, and federal officials regarding strategies for coastal preservation and future infrastructure plans.
Efforts to address the fallout from these incidents are currently underway. The National Seashore purchased two threatened properties in 2023 to assist property owners and restore access to the beach. Debris removal is also in progress, with cleanup initiatives involving both volunteer National Park Service employees and local contractors. This situation raises serious concerns about the condition of coastal infrastructure and the potential for further home collapses due to environmental factors.
Researchers mapping the shoreline retreat in Buxton have utilized 3D scanners and drones, revealing an alarming average retreat of 68 feet. Cleanup from collapsed homes also involves the consideration of hazardous materials, including septic tanks, which pose a risk of leaking pollutants into the ocean.
The overall situation demonstrates the challenges of coastal living in North Carolina, where increasing environmental threats necessitate urgent dialogue and action among stakeholders to prevent further losses.
Key Facts on Collapses in Buxton
- Number of Homes Lost: 8 unoccupied homes collapsed due to hurricanes.
- Date of Collapses: The first five homes fell on September 30, additional homes fell on October 1 and 2.
- Wave Heights: Estimated wave heights reached 8 to 12 feet during high tides.
- Erosion Rate: Approximately 4 feet per year, with some areas seeing 10 to 15 feet annually.
- Total Lost Since May 2020: 20 homes in the Outer Banks.
- Projected Sea-Level Rise: Up to 14 inches by 2050.
- Number of Properties Purchased by National Seashore: 2 threatened properties in 2023.
Cleanup Efforts
Contracted removal of debris has commenced under the supervision of Dare County officials, with overall community involvement in both the cleanup and future discussions regarding coastal management.
FAQ Section
How many homes collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina?
A total of eight unoccupied homes collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina, following hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
When did the collapses occur?
The first five homes collapsed between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on September 30, one house collapsed on October 1, and the eighth house fell on the evening of October 2.
What caused the collapses?
The collapses were attributed to hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which resulted in high tides and large waves impacting the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the rate of erosion in the area?
Erosion has accelerated in recent years, retreating at a rate of approximately 4 feet per year.
How many homes have been lost to the ocean in the Outer Banks since May 2020?
The total homes lost to the ocean in the Outer Banks has reached 20 since May 2020.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Collapsed Homes | 8 |
| Date Range of Collapses | September 30 – October 2 |
| Estimated Wave Heights | 8 to 12 feet |
| Erosion Rate | 4 feet per year |
| Homes Lost Since May 2020 | 20 |
| Projected Sea-Level Rise | 14 inches by 2050 |
| Properties Purchased for Restoration | 2 in 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Erosion Causes House Collapses in Outer Banks
Six Homes Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Coastal Erosion Causes Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC
Fall Serenity Awaits in Nags Head, Outer Banks
Coastal Storm Threatens Outer Banks This Weekend
Beach Hazards Statement Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Crisis as Coastal Erosion Leads to House Collapses
Hurricane Erin Weakens: Recovery Begins in North Carolina
Severe Coastal Erosion Hits Buxton, North Carolina
Hatteras Island Welcomes Residents as N.C. 12 Reopens
Additional Resources
- NCRabbitHole: Why Are So Many Outer Banks Houses Collapsing?
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- AOL: 7 Houses Collapse in Less Than 2 Days
- Google Search: Outer Banks Ocean Erosion
- Fox Weather: Photos of Debris from Outer Banks NC Homes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WRAL: 3D Mapping Shoreline Loss in Buxton
- Google News: Outer Banks Home Collapses
- Realtor: Luxury Homes in Outer Banks Washed Away
- Google Scholar: Coastal Preservation Strategies
- Washington Post: More Outer Banks Homes Will 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.
