Buxton, North Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
In Buxton, North Carolina, a beachfront stilt home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 12th such incident along the Outer Banks in five years. The home was unoccupied at the time, and debris was left scattered across the beach. Staff from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are managing the cleanup, while the homeowner has hired a contractor for further removal. Local officials are concerned about the increasing erosion rates exacerbated by recent storms, leaving many homes near the coast decertified for occupancy.
Buxton, North Carolina – A beachfront stilt home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon, marking the 12th home collapse along the Outer Banks in the past five years due to erosion and storms. The two-story, wood-shingled residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident, which scattered nail-studded debris across the beach.
Staff from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are currently in the process of cleaning up debris near the collapse site. In addition, the homeowner has enlisted a contractor to manage the removal of the remaining structure and debris. The previous eleven collapses primarily occurred in the village of Rodanthe, located at the easternmost point in North Carolina.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, situated less than a mile from the recent collapse site, was relocated 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to prevent erosion from affecting the historic structure. Recent coastal storms, particularly Hurricane Erin, have accelerated the erosion rate in this vulnerable area.
Dare County Planning Director Noah Gillman noted that the rate of erosion in Buxton has significantly increased over the past few years, exacerbated by the impacts of Hurricane Erin. Multiple homes near the coast have been decertified for occupancy due to erosion-related damage, including issues with septic systems and external stairways.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac reported that some homes are now situated in an intertidal zone, areas that were previously built well away from the ocean’s reach. The erosion rate in specific regions has surpassed ten feet annually, raising concerns among local officials and residents.
The National Park Service (NPS) is actively collaborating with Dare County to assist homeowners in relocating to safer areas. They have submitted reports to Congress regarding the ongoing coastal erosion issues affecting the Outer Banks and are utilizing funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to demolish two vacant properties in Rodanthe.
Visitors to Rodanthe are advised to steer clear of the northern end, where oceanfront homes are at risk and safety hazards may exist. There remains a need for ongoing vigilance among beachgoers due to debris from the recent collapse still present on the beach.
The ongoing situation illustrates the increasing challenges facing coastal communities as natural forces disrupt established environments. Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while residents grapple with the realities of coastal living amid changing environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent event occurred in Buxton, North Carolina?
A beachfront stilt home collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday afternoon.
How many homes have collapsed along the Outer Banks in the past five years?
This incident marks the 12th home collapse along the Outer Banks in the past five years due to erosion and storms.
Was the collapsed home occupied at the time of the incident?
The two-story, wood-shingled home was unoccupied at the time of the collapse.
What steps are being taken following the collapse?
The homeowner has hired a contractor to remove the remaining structure and debris from the collapse.
Where did the previous 11 collapses mainly occur?
The previous 11 collapses occurred mainly in the village of Rodanthe, situated at the easternmost point in North Carolina.
What was done to protect the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse?
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to avoid erosion.
What has been the impact of recent coastal storms?
Recent coastal storms, including Hurricane Erin, have accelerated erosion in the area.
What is the erosion rate in Buxton?
The erosion rate in some areas has exceeded 10 feet annually according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac.
What is the National Park Service doing about the erosion issues?
The NPS is working with Dare County to facilitate homeowners relocating to safer areas and has submitted reports to Congress regarding ongoing coastal erosion issues.
What warning has been issued for visitors in Rodanthe?
Visitors are advised to avoid the northern end of Rodanthe due to potential hazards from threatened oceanfront homes.
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Key Features of the Reported Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buxton, North Carolina |
| Collapse Count | 12 homes in the past five years |
| Home Type | Two-story, wood-shingled stilt home |
| Occupancy Status | Unoccupied at collapse |
| Debris Management | Underway by NPS and contractor |
| Impact of Coastal Storms | Accelerated erosion, particularly from Hurricane Erin |
| Warning for Visitors | Avoid northern end of Rodanthe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Home Collapses into the Atlantic in Buxton
Buxton, North Carolina: Another Beachfront Home Collapses Due to Erosion
Beach House Collapse in Buxton Highlights Erosion Risk
House in Outer Banks Falls into Ocean Amid Coastal Erosion Concerns
House Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, NC
Beachfront Home Collapse Highlights Erosion Issues in Buxton
Coastal Storm Causes Vacation Home Collapse in Buxton
Buxton, North Carolina Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Twelfth Home Collapses into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton
Buxton House Collapse Raises Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Oceanfront House Falls into Atlantic
- AP News: Outer Banks Beach Erosion Collapse
- Washington Post: House Collapse in Buxton
- Fox Weather: 12th Home Collapses in Outer Banks
- AccuWeather: Home Collapses into Ocean
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- Google Search: Outer Banks House Collapse
- Google Scholar: Outer Banks Erosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Erosion
- Google News: Outer Banks Natural Disasters
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.
