Buxton, North Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are experiencing an alarming rate of house collapses, with the 11th incident recorded since mid-September. The recent collapse occurred on Cottage Avenue in Buxton, with concerns growing over the structural integrity of coastal homes due to erosion and severe weather. Local officials are closing beach sections for safety as the number of vulnerable homes rises. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management warns about ongoing threats to properties along the Outer Banks, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Buxton, North Carolina
Houses along the Outer Banks of North Carolina are collapsing at a record rate, with the latest incident marking the 11th collapse since mid-September. The most recent collapse occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at 46006 Cottage Avenue in Buxton. Fortunately, the collapsed house was unoccupied at the time.
After the collapse, the National Weather Service had issued a flood advisory, forecasting large ocean swells and significant overwash due to the effects of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda battering the coast. The cottage that fell was built in 1956 and valued at approximately $500,000. The homeowner had recently purchased it in May. This incident represents the fourth house collapse on Cottage Avenue since September 30.
Prior collapses in the region occurred on G.A. Kohler Court in Rodanthe and Tower Circle Road in Buxton. According to the National Park Service, a total of 22 homes have collapsed in the area since 2020, intensifying concerns for the structural integrity of other homes on the Outer Banks.
As alarming as the recent events are, dozens more homes are still at risk or vulnerable in both Rodanthe and Buxton. This has led local officials to close two sections of nearby beaches to ensure public safety. Coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and severe weather events are primary contributors to this crisis, particularly affecting oceanfront houses elevated on stilts that are susceptible to the powerful winds and waves.
Debris from house collapses has been reported drifting miles away and washing ashore on National Park Service beaches, creating additional hazards for residents and visitors. The last reported house collapse prior to the recent incident was on October 3. Notably, September 30 marked a devastating day when nine houses were lost in just one day, with five collapsing within an hour, all in Buxton.
Current weather conditions are complicating recovery efforts, with forecasts indicating that powerful waves and high seas are likely to continue. Coastal flood warnings are currently in effect, predicting flooding inland that may impact homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure.
A local report indicated that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina face potential erosion risks. Various solutions have been proposed to manage this crisis, including dredging sand to reinforce eroded beaches or utilizing state or federal funds for property buyouts or demolitions.
Local officials have confirmed that affected homeowners and communities are enduring devastating impacts from both ongoing erosion and house collapses. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has highlighted that the dynamic nature of barrier islands, coupled with rising sea levels, presents severe threats to property along the Outer Banks.
FAQs
What is the current rate of home collapses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks?
Houses along the Outer Banks of North Carolina are collapsing at a record rate, with the 11th since mid-September collapsing overnight.
When did the latest house collapse occur?
The latest collapse occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at 46006 Cottage Avenue in Buxton.
How many homes have collapsed in total since 2020?
A total of 22 homes have collapsed in the region since 2020, as reported by the National Park Service.
What natural events are contributing to the increased risk of home collapses?
Coastal erosion and sea level rise, along with severe weather events, are contributing to the crisis.
How many oceanfront structures in North Carolina are at risk of erosion?
A report from local officials indicated that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are at risk of erosion.
Key Features of the Crisis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Rate of Collapses | 11th collapse since mid-September |
| Location of Recent Collapse | 46006 Cottage Avenue, Buxton |
| Value of Latest Collapsed Home | $500,000 |
| Total Homes Collapsed Since 2020 | 22 homes |
| Oceanfront Structures at Risk | 750 of nearly 8,800 structures |
| Contributing Factors | Coastal erosion, sea level rise, severe weather events |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homes in Buxton, NC Collapse Amidst Hurricane Swells
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Multiple Home Collapses
Buxton, N.C. Home Collapse Highlights Erosion Crisis
Nor’easter Threatens Homes in North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Coastal Erosion Claims Nine Homes Along Outer Banks
Buxton Homes Collapse Due to Coastal Erosion Crisis
Outer Banks History Center Reopens After Major Renovation
Concerns Rise Over Sexual Assault Reports at ECU
Tragic Collapse of Homes in Buxton, NC Amid Hurricane Fears
Tragedy Strikes: Ninth Home Collapses in Rodanthe, N.C.
Additional Resources
- Pilot Online
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- News Observer
- Google Search: North Carolina coastal erosion
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: North Carolina waterfront homes collapse
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Washington Post
- 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.
