News Release

Five unoccupied houses collapse in Buxton

Photo of collapsed house at 46007 Cottage Avenue, Buxton.

NPS

News Release Date: September 30, 2025

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) was notified this afternoon that five unoccupied houses have collapsed in Buxton, North Carolina. Seashore visitors are urged to stay away from the collapsed house sites and to use caution for miles to the south of the sites, due to the presence of potentially hazardous debris. This is an ongoing incident; further collapses are possible due to the ocean conditions.

As of 3:30 p.m., the Seashore is aware of the following house collapses in Buxton:

• 46001 Cottage Avenue

• 46002 Cottage Avenue

• 46007 Cottage Avenue

• 46209 Tower Circle Road

• 46211 Tower Circle Road

The collapses occurred between approximately 2 and 2:45 p.m. The Seashore is not aware of any bodily injuries associated with the five house collapses.

The entire beachfront, from northern Buxton through off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp 43, is closed for public safety. ORV drivers using ramps 38 should avoid traveling to the south and anyone using ramp 43 should avoid traveling north.

If additional collapses occur during the current storm period, they will be announced on the Seashore’s threatened oceanfront structures webpage at: go.nps.gov/cahatos.