Buxton, North Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Recent coastal erosion along North Carolina’s Outer Banks has resulted in the collapse of nine homes, intensifying the risks posed by severe weather and rising storm threats. Since 2020, over 20 homes have been lost to erosion, prompting local communities to explore protective measures, including retrofitting and relocation. As severe conditions are expected to peak with the full moon, homeowners are urged to take action to mitigate risks and safeguard their properties against ongoing erosion challenges.
Buxton, North Carolina – Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks Amidst Rising Storm Threats
Almost ten homes have collapsed into the ocean in the past week along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, exacerbating the worsening problem of coastal erosion faced by local residents. The event has drawn attention to the increasing dangers posed by rising storm threats and the impact of severe weather conditions on the vulnerable coastal region.
Last week, eight homes in Buxton and one home in Rodanthe succumbed to the relentless forces of nature. Observations indicate that these collapses occurred during particularly rough ocean conditions influenced by hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which passed hundreds of miles offshore. Coastal communities, including villages along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, are experiencing heightened risks as King Tides and large waves continue to challenge the stability of the shoreline.
Since 2020, over 20 homes in these areas have already been lost due to erosion. The recent surge in home collapses has shocked local residents and professionals, with Barry Crum, owner of Crum Works, Inc., a company specializing in retrofitting and relocating homes at risk of coastal erosion, remarking that the number of losses this past week is unprecedented for the area.
Severe conditions are anticipated to peak with the full moon on Tuesday, further intensifying the threat from ongoing erosion. Homeowners facing risks have two main options: retrofitting their homes to extend their lifespan against erosion, or relocating their homes to safer areas. Since the building codes for homes constructed in the 1970s and 1980s were less stringent compared to current regulations, many older homes are particularly vulnerable.
Crum Works, Inc. is actively collaborating with homeowners situated inland, assessing preemptive measures to protect at-risk homes. Some of these measures include implementing protective structures such as sandbags and deep pilings. A particularly notable case involves a home currently surrounded by water but remains structurally sound due to previous retrofitting efforts.
Despite sand being a relatively stable building material compared to clay, it is also susceptible to being washed away, making ongoing erosion a significant concern. Relocating homes can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $300,000 and may involve moving properties back as far as 100 to 150 feet. Crum advocates for more sustainable long-term solutions such as building jetties and engaging in beach replenishment to combat the effects of erosion.
The dilemma of erosion is compounded by a recent powerful low-pressure system that affected the Carolina coast, resulting in heavy rain and more erosion issues. Cleanup efforts are currently in progress, including clearing sand from NC Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island. Additionally, Georgetown County in South Carolina has reported receiving between 4 and 11 inches of rain, leading to significant flooding and necessitating ongoing recovery efforts.
Key Statistics
- Homes lost in the past week: 9
- Homes collapsed since 2020: 20+
- Cost to relocate homes: $50,000 to $300,000
- Heightened risks: Expected with full moon on Tuesday
- Building codes: Stricter regulations post-1980s
Conclusion
The impacts of coastal erosion along North Carolina’s Outer Banks pose critical challenges for local communities, necessitating immediate attention to safeguard properties and future developments. As conditions continue to escalate, homeowners, authorities, and organizations must work together to find viable solutions to protect the coastline and the homes that lie within its shadow.
FAQ Section
What caused the recent home collapses along the Outer Banks?
The recent home collapses were primarily caused by coastal erosion, influenced by rough ocean conditions associated with hurricanes Imelda and Humberto.
How many homes have collapsed due to erosion since 2020?
Since 2020, over 20 homes have collapsed in the areas affected by erosion.
What options do homeowners have in response to coastal erosion?
Homeowners at risk have two main options: retrofitting their homes to extend their lifespan against erosion or moving their homes to safer locations.
What are the financial implications of relocating a home?
Relocating homes can be costly, ranging from $50,000 to $300,000.
What measures are being taken to combat coastal erosion?
Measures include implementing protective structures such as sandbags and deep pilings, as well as advocating for solutions like building jetties and beach replenishment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Concerns Rise Over Sexual Assault Reports at ECU
MrBeast’s Content Creation Program at ECU Remains Stalled
Coastal Flood Advisories for Northern Outer Banks
NC12 Reopens but Ocracoke Island Remains Closed
Dare County, N.C. Faces Major Disruptions Due to Hurricane Erin
Tragic Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC Amid Hurricane Fears
Tragedy Strikes: Ninth Home Collapses in Rodanthe, N.C.
Beach Emergency in Cape Hatteras: Homes Collapsing Into the Ocean
Coastal Home in Buxton Falls Victim to Erosion
Additional Resources
- News Observer: Coastal Erosion in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- CBS17: NC-12 Partially Reopens
- Google Search: Coastal Erosion North Carolina
- NC Rabbit Hole: Outer Banks Houses Collapsing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Erosion
- WXII12: NC-12 Flooding and Overwash Closures
- Fox Weather: North & South Carolina Coastal Flooding
- Star News Online: Outer Banks Coastal Erosion
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.
