Buxton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025 News Summary In Buxton, North Carolina, an unoccupied beach house has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 12th similar incident in five years within the Outer Banks. This collapse, attributed to ongoing erosion and recent storms, has resulted in a debris field impacting beach safety. Authorities are urging visitors to stay away from impacted areas as cleanup efforts are initiated. The situation raises concerns about the growing risks posed by coastal erosion, with experts warning of a busier hurricane season ahead and the need for homeowners to evaluate long-term safety measures. Buxton, North Carolina – An unoccupied beach house collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, marking the 12th such incident in the Outer Banks in the past five years. The house, located at 46227 Tower Circle Road near Buxton, was part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and fell victim to ongoing erosion exacerbated by recent storms. Officials at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are advising visitors to stay away from the beach and water in the area following the collapse. A pre-existing beach safety closure from the north end of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43 may also need to be expanded to account for debris from the fallen structure. In addition, visitors are urged to avoid the north end of Rodanthe due to several threatened oceanfront structures. The two-story wooden home created a debris field on the beach, littered with nail-studded wreckage. In response to the collapse, cleanup efforts are underway, with the homeowner hiring a contractor to remove the remaining structure and debris. Mike Barber, a spokesman for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, stated that park staff are diligently working on this effort. This incident represents a growing concern for homeowners in the area. The previous 11 collapses, which occurred primarily in the village of Rodanthe, have highlighted the increasing risks posed by coastal erosion and storms. The collapsed home in Buxton was located less than one mile from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and was originally built in 1969, situated well behind a vegetated dune. However, over time, erosion and storms have compromised its structural safety significantly. Recent storms have notably contributed to the erosion along the coastline, creating heightened risks for properties facing the ocean. After a recent coastal storm, inspectors tagged 34 homes in Buxton as uninhabitable, suggesting a need for further evaluations regarding their occupancy. Homes in the area are also vulnerable to tidal influences, with some placed in the intertidal zone, making them particularly susceptible to storm damage. The National Park Service has noted a forecast for a busier-than-average hurricane season for 2025, raising alarms regarding the possibility of further house collapses and increased erosion. In light of these challenges, the National Park Service is collaborating with Dare County to encourage homeowners to consider relocating as a proactive measure. They are also exploring funding options to assist with the removal of at-risk homes. The future risk of more collapses remains significant, as many properties along the coastline are currently exposed to powerful waves and persistent erosion. Moreover, some homeowners face difficulties associated with flood insurance, particularly concerning the costs of removal and damage claims. Summary of Key Facts: Beach house collapse at 46227 Tower Circle Road, Buxton. 12th house collapse in the Outer Banks in five years. Debris cleanup is in progress after the incident. 34 homes have been tagged as uninhabitable by inspectors. Potential for a busier-than-average hurricane season predicted for 2025. FAQ Section How many houses have collapsed in the Outer Banks over the past five years? This incident marks the 12th house collapse along the Outer Banks in the past five years. Where did the collapse occur? The collapsed house was located at 46227 Tower Circle Road, near Buxton, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. What actions are being taken following the house collapse? The homeowner has hired a contractor to remove the remaining structure and debris associated with the collapse, and Cape Hatteras staff are working to clean up debris from the beach. Are there any safety closures in place? A pre-existing beach safety closure from the north end of Buxton to around off-road vehicle ramp 43 may need to be expanded due to debris from the collapse. Feature Details Collapse Location 46227 Tower Circle Road, Buxton Number of Collapses 12 in the past five years Debris Cleanup Ongoing, contractor hired Safety Closures Beach closure may expand Recent Hurricane Season Forecast Busier-than-average expected for 2025 Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources 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 Updated Beach Hazards and Coastal Flood Advisory in Northern Outer Banks 12th House Collapse in Buxton, NC Highlights Coastal Safety Risks Mobile Home Incident Causes Closure on Marc Basnight Bridge Additional Resources WCTI 12 News Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion ABC News Google Search: Buxton Beach cottage collapse News & Observer Encyclopedia Britannica: Erosion Fox Weather Google News: house collapses Outer Banks WRAL Google Scholar: coastal housing collapse North Carolina
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.
