Buxton, NC, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In an alarming trend, Buxton, NC, has witnessed its eighth house collapse in just three days due to coastal erosion intensified by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. As officials report a total of nine homes collapsed since mid-September, local authorities are addressing the urgent safety concerns and erosion issues along the Outer Banks. Visitors are advised to stay clear of collapsed sites and hazardous debris while highway closures complicate transportation in the region.
Buxton, NC – Eighth House Collapses Amid Hurricane-Led Erosion Crisis
A house at 46221 Tower Circle Road in Buxton collapsed into the ocean shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2025. This incident marks the eighth house to collapse in Buxton in just three days, highlighting an alarming trend of coastal erosion intensified by recent hurricanes.
The collapsed house is the fifth unoccupied home to fall along Tower Circle Road that week, following an earlier incident where three unoccupied houses collapsed on nearby Cottage Avenue. Since September 16, 2025, a total of nine houses have collapsed in Buxton, as confirmed by officials from Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The continuing situation has been exacerbated by high surf conditions from Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto, which have led to significant erosion along the Outer Banks. Authorities reported that swells from these hurricanes reached surf heights of 8 to 12 feet on September 30, with forecasts indicating extreme danger in the days following. Portions of the eastern North Carolina coast are currently under coastal flood advisories and warnings due to these hazardous surf conditions.
Over the years, oceanfront homes along the Outer Banks have increasingly become vulnerable to collapse. The National Park Service reported that 20 homes have collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore since 2020 alone. Nearby villages also share a similar fate; in 2024, six houses further north in Rodanthe collapsed under similar conditions.
Local officials are grappling with how to handle the condemnation and removal of these compromised structures while addressing the ongoing issue of erosion. As of now, no injuries have been reported related to the house collapses. Visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore are advised to stay away from collapsed house sites and remain cautious of hazardous debris in the area.
In addition to the house collapses, North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island has been closed due to ocean overwash, and ferry service between Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands has been suspended. This situation underlines the impact that erosion has not only on homes but also on transportation and accessibility in the region.
As the Outer Banks face a significant rise in house collapses—with a total of 17 privately owned houses reported down since 2020—the focus is shifting toward recognizing and addressing the inadequacy of development on the barrier islands, which are naturally prone to shifting due to environmental conditions.
Local authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely while enforcing measures designed to protect remaining structures and reduce the potential for further disasters.
Key Facts Summary
- House at 46221 Tower Circle Road collapsed shortly before 5 p.m. on October 2, 2025.
- This was the eighth house to collapse in Buxton in three days.
- Total of nine houses have collapsed since September 16, 2025.
- High surf caused by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto has intensified erosion.
- National Park Service records 20 homes collapsed along Cape Hatteras National Seashore since 2020.
FAQ
- How many houses in Buxton collapsed as of October 2, 2025?
- A total of eight houses have collapsed in Buxton in just three days.
- What is the cause of the house collapses?
- The collapses are primarily due to erosion intensified by large waves from Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto.
- How many of the houses that collapsed this week were occupied?
- All eight houses that collapsed were unoccupied at the time.
- What recommendations have been given to visitors following the collapses?
- Visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore are advised to stay away from collapsed house sites and be cautious of hazardous debris in the area.
- What other closures or warnings exist in the area?
- North Carolina Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island was closed due to ocean overwash, and the ferry service between Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands was suspended.
Key Features of the House Collapses in Buxton, NC
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, NC |
| Last Collapse Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Total Collapses (as of 10/2/2025) | Eight houses |
| Earlier Collapses | Five unoccupied homes on Tower Circle Road |
| Hurricanes Involved | Imelda and Humberto |
| Total Collapses Since 2020 | 20 homes along Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Warnings Issued | Coastal flood advisories due to dangerous surf conditions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricanes Cause Severe Damage in Buxton, NC
Houses Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Coastal Flood Watch Issued for Northern Outer Banks
House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Coastal Erosion Crisis
Beachfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Coastal Erosion Claims Another Home in Buxton
Two-Story Beachfront Home Collapses in Buxton, NC
Beachfront Cottage Collapses into the Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Rip Current Warning Issued for North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- WRAL
- CBS News
- Washington Post
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Google Search: Hurricane Imelda
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Humberto
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Erosion
- Google News: Outer Banks house 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.
