Buxton, North Carolina, October 4, 2025

News Summary

Recent hurricanes led to the collapse of eight homes in Buxton, North Carolina, as coastal erosion worsens. The homes were overwhelmed by powerful waves, resulting in significant debris. The National Park Service has issued warnings for safety, and the region faces ongoing risks due to rising sea levels and severe weather patterns. With many oceanfront properties at risk, local authorities are exploring solutions to combat erosion and protect vulnerable structures.

Buxton, North Carolina: Coastal Erosion Claims Eight Homes Amidst Hurricane Activity

Six unoccupied houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean due to Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. The first five homes fell on September 30, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 2:45 PM in Buxton, while a sixth house crumbled that night at 11 PM. No injuries were reported from the collapses, according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

A seventh house fell on the evening of October 1, 2025, followed by an eighth on October 2, 2025. These homes were previously supported on high stilts but were overwhelmed by the powerful waves created by the recent hurricanes. Video evidence showed the homes swaying before they disintegrated into the surf, resulting in significant debris littering the beaches.

The National Park Service issued warnings, urging visitors to avoid the area extending miles south of the collapse site due to hazardous debris. High surf advisories were also in effect, with wave heights reaching an unprecedented 14 feet as a result of the hurricanes. Ocean overwash prompted the closure of North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island, and ferry services between Ocracoke and Hatteras islands were suspended due to dangerous conditions.

This incident adds to a growing list of similar occurrences; since 2020, 20 homes have collapsed along the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Previous collapses have occurred in Rodanthe, with severe erosion leaving many homes increasingly vulnerable. Reports indicate that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are now considered at risk for erosion.

The ongoing coastal erosion problem has led to various proposals aimed at addressing the issue, including beach nourishment, purchasing threatened homes, and demolishing unoccupied properties. The coastal flood advisories issued by the National Weather Service highlight that ongoing and dangerous surf conditions are expected throughout the week.

Oceanfront properties are particularly at risk due to rising sea levels and the increasing severity of weather patterns. Current assessments reveal that the Outer Banks’ shoreline is retreating at a rate of approximately 4 feet per year. Erosion, coupled with the impacts of climate change, is significantly threatening the viability of homes and infrastructure on these barrier islands.

Key Facts and Figures

• Six homes collapsed on September 30, 2025; a seventh on October 1, and eighth on October 2, 2025.
• No injuries were reported from the collapses.
• Wave heights reached 14 feet during the hurricanes.
• 20 homes have collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore since 2020.
• 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are at risk for erosion.
• The Outer Banks shoreline is retreating at a rate of 4 feet per year.

FAQ

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Concerns Rise as Oceanfront Homes Collapse in Rodanthe
Ongoing Home Collapses in Rodanthe Due to Hurricanes
Hurricanes Cause Significant Damage to Buxton Vacation Homes
Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Claims Eight Homes in Buxton
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

Additional Resources

• Fox Weather: 8th North Carolina Beach House Collapse
• Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
• WRAL: Outer Banks Homes Collapse
• Google Search: Hurricane Imelda
• WITN: First Rodanthe Beach House Collapse
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
• People: Beachfront Homes Collapse Amid Storms
• Google News: Northern California Housing Collapse
• USA Today: Hurricane Humberto and House Collapses

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.