Buxton, North Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In a dramatic incident caused by rough surf from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, six unoccupied houses have collapsed into the ocean in Buxton, North Carolina. The collapses occurred amidst extreme wave conditions, with surf heights reaching 8 to 12 feet. This incident adds to the ongoing concerns regarding coastal erosion, with 20 houses lost in the area over the past five years. Local officials are emphasizing the need for immediate actions to address the escalating threats posed by rising sea levels and climate change.
Buxton, North Carolina
Six unoccupied houses collapsed into the ocean on the Outer Banks, North Carolina, due to rough surf from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. The collapses occurred on September 30, marking a significant loss in an area already vulnerable to coastal erosion.
According to reports, five homes fell into the ocean between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., while a sixth one collapsed later that evening around 11 p.m. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore highlighted that a total of 18 houses have succumbed to similar fates in the last five years, demonstrating the continuous struggle against erosion and extreme weather conditions.
On the day of the collapses, surf heights were recorded between 8 to 12 feet, categorizing the conditions as “extremely dangerous.” This situation is expected to persist, as forecasts predict that rough surf will linger for several additional days, raising concerns about the potential for further destruction along the coastline.
Details of the Incident
The collapsed houses were located at the following addresses: 46001, 46002, and 47007 on Cottage Avenue, along with 46209 and 46211 on Tower Circle Road. Additionally, another house had previously washed into the ocean on September 16, which compounds the existing erosion concerns in the area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with these collapses. However, local real estate agent Danny Couch described the situation in Buxton as akin to a “bar fight” with the ocean “raging.” In response to the growing dangers, the National Park Service has closed the entire oceanfront area from northern Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43 for public safety. Visitors have been strongly cautioned to stay away from the sites of the collapsed houses due to the presence of hazardous debris.
Ongoing Challenges
The high surf and strong wind gusts experienced were directly related to the influence of Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto, which not only affected Buxton but surrounding areas as well. Experts note that the barrier islands, including the Outer Banks, are facing increasing vulnerability due to rising sea levels, erosion, and intense storm impacts.
Local officials, property owners, and insurance companies are currently engaged in discussions about how to tackle home condemnations and future erosion. Many recent natural factors have led to homes that were once set back from the beach now being at risk due to severe beach erosion, putting further strain on the coastal community.
A Coastal Flood Warning has been issued for parts of North Carolina, indicating expected coastal floodwaters of 2 to 3 feet in some areas. After the homes fell, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore announced plans to initiate cleanup efforts following the collapses once it is safe to evaluate the situation. This most recent collapse brings the total of houses lost along the Outer Banks in the past five years to 20, highlighting the escalating concerns regarding coastal erosion.
Advocacy and Future Actions
Residents and local officials are advocating for prompt action from legislators to help stabilize and safeguard the threatened areas. As conditions continue to change, ongoing community engagement and legislative support will be crucial for addressing the challenges faced by those living along the Outer Banks.
Key Figures
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Houses Collapsed | 6 |
| Total Houses Lost (Last 5 Years) | 20 |
| Surf Heights on September 30 | 8 to 12 feet |
| Coastal Flood Warning Prediction | 2 to 3 feet of inundation |
FAQ
How many houses collapsed into the ocean in Buxton?
Six unoccupied houses collapsed into the ocean on the Outer Banks, North Carolina, due to rough surf from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda.
What were the surf heights on September 30?
Surf heights on September 30 were estimated between 8 to 12 feet, classifying the conditions as “extremely dangerous” due to large breaking waves.
Were there any injuries reported from the collapses?
No injuries were reported regarding the collapses.
What actions are being taken to address the erosion issue?
Local officials, property owners, and insurance companies have been discussing strategies for addressing home condemnations and future erosion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beachfront House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Home Collapses into the Atlantic in Buxton
Beach House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Erosion Risk
Coastal Storm Causes Vacation Home Collapse in Buxton
Buxton, North Carolina Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Buxton House Collapse Raises Safety Concerns
Rodanthe, N.C.: Homes in Danger Due to Hurricane Ernesto
Another Beach House Crumbles in Rodanthe
Rodanthe, North Carolina Faces Coastal Erosion Crisis
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Houses Collapse in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- WTKR: OBX Home Falls into Ocean
- Google Search: Outer Banks houses collapse
- 13 News Now: Eighth House Collapses
- Google Scholar: coastal erosion North Carolina
- CNN: Outer Banks House Collapse Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- AP News: Outer Banks Homes Collapse
- Google News: Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto
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.
