Buxton, NC, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A house in Buxton, North Carolina collapsed into the ocean, marking the 12th such incident on the Outer Banks in the past five years. The unoccupied home raised concerns over coastal safety, with officials urging visitors to avoid the affected areas due to hazardous debris. Experts attribute these collapses to climate change and rising sea levels, emphasizing the vulnerability of coastal properties. Ongoing safety measures are in place to protect beachgoers from the dangers posed by collapsed structures and the debris left behind.
Buxton, NC Experiences 12th House Collapse on Outer Banks
A house in Buxton, North Carolina collapsed into the water on Tuesday afternoon, marking the 12th home to collapse on the Seashore beaches of the Outer Banks in the last five years. The unoccupied structure, located at 46227 Tower Circle Road, fell into the ocean, raising concerns about coastal safety and the state of surrounding properties.
Officials from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore responded to the incident, urging visitors to steer clear of the beach and water due to potentially hazardous debris scattered from the collapsed home. It has been confirmed that the current safety closure extends from the northern end of Buxton to approximately off-road vehicle ramp 43, with the possibility of expansion depending on the extent of the debris field present at the site.
In addition, visitors are advised to avoid the northern end of Rodanthe where other oceanfront structures are in jeopardy, highlighting ongoing risks in the coastal region.
History of Collapses
The incident in Buxton is part of a worrying trend, with the previous notable collapse occurring last November in Rodanthe. That incident followed a rapid succession of four other collapses within just over a month, underlining the precariousness of certain homes in the area.
The Impacts of Climate Change
Experts studying sea level rise have determined that specific sections of barrier islands, including places like Rodanthe, are unsuitable for development. Climate change and rising sea levels threaten the stability of these properties, leading to greater risks of collapse.
Safety Concerns Regarding Debris
Collapsed homes leave behind dangerous debris, which can be hazardous to beachgoers and can travel miles along the shoreline. It underscores the importance of adhering to safety advisories issued by local authorities. Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides information regarding threatened structures and safety measures on its website.
Summary
This recent collapse serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in North Carolina. With ongoing threats posed by climate change and the historical context of home collapses, officials continue to advocate for stringent safety measures and awareness among residents and visitors alike.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What caused the collapse of the house in Buxton?
The collapse is attributed to ongoing factors such as sea level rise and the instability of coastal properties, exacerbated by climate change.
-
How many homes have collapsed in the Outer Banks in the last five years?
This incident marks the 12th collapse of a home in the Outer Banks over the past five years.
-
What safety measures are in place following the collapse?
A safety closure is in effect from the north end of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43, and visitors are advised to avoid affected beaches and areas with threatened structures.
-
What should I do if I encounter hazardous debris on the beach?
Visitors should immediately leave the area and report the debris to local authorities to ensure safety for all beachgoers.
-
Where can I find more information about coastal safety and threatened structures?
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s website provides up-to-date information on safety advisories and structures at risk.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge
Oceanfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Richard Fertig Transforms Hatteras Island Real Estate Market
Housing Survey Launched for Outer Banks Workers
Rodanthe, N.C.: Homes in Danger Due to Hurricane Ernesto
Beach Closure in North Carolina Due to Petroleum Leak
Buxton, NC Beach Area Faces Closure Due to Contamination Issues
Closure of Buxton Beach Access Due to Petroleum Contamination
Threats to North Carolina’s Highway 12: A Growing Concern
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Coastal North Carolina
Additional Resources
- WTKR: Home Collapses in Buxton
- WRAL: Home Collapse on NC Coast
- 13 News Now: House Collapse in Outer Banks
- Pilot Online: Beach House Collapse
- Coastland Times: Oceanfront House Collapse
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- Google Search: Buxton NC house collapse
- Google Scholar: Coastal Safety North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Google News: Outer Banks home 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.
