Home Collapses on North Carolina Coast, Beach Access Restricted
BUXTON, N.C. — A beachfront home on the Outer Banks has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, prompting officials to restrict access to nearby beaches and urge visitors to stay out of the water.
Collapse in Buxton
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore confirmed Tuesday that the home, located on Tower Circle Road, collapsed into the surf. The area already had a beach safety closure in place from the north end of Buxton to off-road vehicle ramp 43. Officials said the closure could be expanded depending on how far debris spreads.
A Growing Pattern of Coastal Erosion
This marks the 12th home to collapse in the Rodanthe and Buxton area within the past five years. Experts say the incidents highlight the increasing risks of sea level rise and coastal erosion on North Carolina’s barrier islands.
Rodanthe, in particular, has become a focal point in the national conversation about climate change, as repeated home collapses raise questions about long-term development in vulnerable shoreline communities.
Safety Concerns for Visitors
When homes collapse, debris—including wood, nails, and household materials—can scatter for miles along the beach and into the water. This creates hazards for swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers.
Officials are asking Outer Banks visitors to avoid the north end of Rodanthe, where other oceanfront structures are also at risk of collapse.
Do you think North Carolina should restrict development on erosion-prone barrier islands? Share your perspective in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
