Rodanthe, North Carolina, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Rodanthe, NC, sees its ninth home collapse in one week due to Hurricane Imelda and Tropical Storm Humberto. Authorities warn visitors to avoid affected areas as cleanup begins. The Outer Banks has experienced significant damage, with multiple homes collapsing from high surf conditions. Erosion and king tides pose ongoing threats to coastal homes, highlighting the risks of climate change in the region.
Rodanthe, North Carolina
A home collapsed on Friday along the Outer Banks, marking the ninth home to collapse in the region since Tuesday due to the impact of Hurricane Imelda and Tropical Storm Humberto. The latest incident occurred just before 6 p.m. in Rodanthe, where the property was unoccupied at the time of the collapse. Authorities have since warned visitors to steer clear of the affected site, specifically between Atlantic Drive and G.A. Kohler Court.
The previous eight homes collapsed between Tuesday and Thursday in Buxton, with a remarkable five homes falling within just 24 hours due to dangerously high surf conditions attributed to Hurricane Imelda. Despite Hurricane Imelda itself not making landfall in North Carolina, its outer bands led to significant rainfall extending far inland, even reaching as far as the Triangle area.
Cleanup crews are scheduled to begin initial work on the collapsed home in Rodanthe on Saturday. The week has seen a total of eight beachfront homes collapse in the Outer Banks as a direct consequence of Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto passing offshore. Additionally, king tides are forecasted for the following week, raising concerns about the potential for further damages to homes in the area.
During the peak of the storm impacts, five homes fell in Buxton within a mere 45-minute timeframe on Tuesday, coinciding with the storms being closest to the Carolina coast. Another home collapsed Tuesday night, followed by two more on Thursday. In total, the number of homes that have collapsed on Hatteras Island since 2020 has reached 19.
To ensure public safety, the beachfront area from northern Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43 is currently closed. Authorities are urging property owners to take necessary actions, such as removing vulnerable houses from the beach before they collapse, especially since the county does not own the beach or the land. Chronic shoreline erosion has been noted in both Buxton and Rodanthe, according to experts in coastal science.
Impact from climate change is expected to exacerbate conditions, increasing the frequency of severe storms and raising water levels, which heightens the risk for coastal structures. Property owners often hesitate to relocate homes or invest in mitigation strategies until after collapses occur due to the implications of insurance collection policies.
Since May 2020, the Outer Banks has lost a total of 20 homes, with dramatic shoreline changes documented over the years. Federal projections indicate a potential sea level rise of up to 14 inches by 2050, which will lead to an increase in coastal flooding days. Discussions concerning coastal development and home preservation are ongoing at local, state, and federal levels. Some properties have been acquired and removed by the national seashore in attempts to counteract erosion impacts effectively.
Reports from the National Park Service indicate that the shoreline is receding at an alarming rate of approximately 4 feet per year. In 2023, two threatened properties were removed in an effort to restore beach access and to mitigate the risk of future collapses.
Key Statistics
- Total homes collapsed this week: 9
- Homes collapsed on Tuesday in Buxton: 5
- Homes collapsed on Thursday: 2
- Total homes collapsed on Hatteras Island since 2020: 19
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes have collapsed on the Outer Banks this week?
A home collapsed on Friday along the Outer Banks, marking the ninth home to collapse since Tuesday.
What caused the recent home collapses?
The collapses are attributed to dangerous surf conditions caused by Hurricane Imelda.
What are the future risks for coastal homes in the Outer Banks?
King tides are forecast for the following week, raising concerns for potential additional damages to homes.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Homes Collapsed This Week | 9 |
| Homes Collapsed in Buxton | 8 |
| Total Homes Collapsed Since 2020 | 19 |
| Estimated Sea Level Rise (by 2050) | Up to 14 inches |
| Rate of Shoreline Retreat | 4 feet/year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricanes Cause Significant Damage to Buxton Vacation Homes
Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Claims Eight Homes in Buxton
Buxton Neighborhood Disappears into the Atlantic Ocean
Eighth Home Collapses into Ocean in Buxton, NC
Six Homes Collapse into Atlantic Ocean in Buxton, NC
Eighth House Collapses in Buxton Amid Erosion Crisis
Hurricanes Cause Severe Damage in Buxton, NC
Houses Collapse into Ocean in Buxton, North Carolina
Buxton Homeowners Combat Oceanfront Erosion with Sandbags
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: 8th North Carolina Beach House Collapse
- Wikipedia: Rodanthe, North Carolina
- WRAL: Outer Banks Home Collapse
- Google Search: Hurricane Imelda
- WITN: First Rodanthe Beach House Collapse
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion North Carolina
- People: Beachfront Homes Collapse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- USA Today: Hurricane Impacts North Carolina
- Google News: North Carolina Beach 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.
