Severe Coastal Erosion Hits Buxton, North Carolina

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News Summary

Buxton, North Carolina, is facing a severe situation as coastal erosion leads to the collapse of six homes due to recent storms. As the Atlantic Ocean claims these properties, local officials report average shoreline retreats of 68 feet, with concerns over rising sea levels and more storms on the way. Cleanup efforts are underway, but the risk to the community remains significant.

Buckling Shorelines in Buxton: A Stormy Situation

Buxton, North Carolina, is facing a challenging situation as it grapples with severe coastal erosion. Just this past Tuesday, the Atlantic Ocean claimed six homes, sending them tumbling into the waves. The collapses occurred between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., jolting local residents. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, but the aftermath has left many shaken and concerned.

A Quick Look at the Collapses

Among the fallen homes, five were situated along Cottage Avenue, while the other two were located on Tower Circle Road. But the disaster didn’t end there! Shortly after the initial crashes, a sixth home on Tower Circle Road joined its neighbors in a watery demise. This troubling trend is not new for the area, as ongoing erosion problems have haunted the coastline for years.

An Erosion Emergency

The recent storms have only exacerbated the situation, resulting in a total of nine homes collapsing on Hatteras Island within just a week. This surge in collapses has raised alarm bells for local officials. Data from the latest drone and lidar surveys reveals a staggering average shoreline retreat of 68 feet in Buxton, with some areas even losing up to 141 feet of precious beach. The destructive overwash from the storms has pushed sand a shocking 298 feet inland, significantly altering the landscape.

Nature’s Erosion Rates Keep Climbing

For decades, scientists have documented erosion rates in Buxton and the nearby Rodanthe area averaging 10 to 15 feet annually. But with rising sea levels becoming an ever-increasing threat, experts are warning of a worse to come. The nine homes that have recently succumbed to the ocean’s grasp were valued at over $5 million and were built between 1973 and 1998.

Community Response and Cleanup

The local community is stepping up, with many homeowners already hiring contractors for debris removal. Cleanup is no simple task, though, as approximately 40 employees from the National Park Service were mobilized to help clear away a whopping 140 truckloads of debris from the beach. These cleanup efforts have created debris fields that stretch for miles, littered with household waste, lumber, insulation, and even leaking septic tanks, all of which pose a risk to ocean health.

Future Woes: More Storms on the Horizon

As if the current crisis weren’t alarming enough, the forecast warns of more severe weather including king tides and gusty winds. These impending storms could spell further disaster for an already beleaguered coastline. Local residents and officials are understandably on edge, knowing the potential for more collapses looms large.

A Rocky Road Ahead

Since 2020, Hatteras Island has seen a staggering total of 21 homes collapse, highlighting the urgent need for solutions. Coastal resilience researchers, specifically a group known as RCOAST, are doing their part by mapping the ongoing changes to inform community decisions and track how storms impact the coastline. Their efforts are vital as Buxton navigates these rocky waters.

Your Safety Matters

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has also stepped up, deploying staff for ongoing cleanup initiatives and urging visitors to steer clear of the water due to possible collapse risks. With the situation as dynamic as it is, all eyes remain on Buxton as the community rallies and responds to nature’s fierce fury.

Stay tuned for more updates, and stay safe if you’re in the area!

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HERE Resources

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Severe Coastal Erosion Causes Home Collapses in Buxton, N.C.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Faces Coastal Flooding Threat from King Tides
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Additional Resources

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.