Overview

• Eight unoccupied houses have fallen into the Atlantic over three days in Buxton, including five within 45 minutes on Sept. 30, with no injuries reported.
• Large swells and high surf generated by Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto offshore fueled the failures, with buoy and forecast reports citing waves as high as 12 to 14 feet.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore has closed the oceanfront from northern Buxton to ORV ramp 43 and will deploy about two dozen staff on Friday to begin debris cleanup.
• Officials warn more collapses are possible in Buxton and Rodanthe, and forecast king tides next week could compound damage; visitors are urged to avoid debris-strewn beaches.
• Long-term shoreline retreat and projected sea-level rise have left former setback rentals vulnerable, and a proposed bill would let homeowners access NFIP funds for preemptive removal under current insurance gaps.