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Seven Outer Banks Homes Collapse in 48 Hours After Hurricanes Roil Surf

The collapses follow days of pounding swells that exposed foundations on a rapidly eroding stretch of Cape Hatteras.

This house at 46007 Cottage Avenue in Buxton, North Carolina, is one of five that collapsed within 45 minutes on the afternoon of Sept. 30, according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, as rough seas from two hurricanes pounded away at beaches along portions of the Outer Banks.

Overview

  • National Park Service officials said seven unoccupied houses in Buxton fell into the ocean within roughly two days after Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto drove high surf and flooding.
  • Five homes collapsed within 45 minutes during a Sept. 30 afternoon high tide, with two additional Tower Circle Road houses failing later to bring the total to seven.
  • Outer Banks beaches have been closed since Monday because of the risk that compromised homes could break apart or collapse.
  • Ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke is suspended, NC 12 remains closed on Ocracoke’s north end, and elsewhere crews are clearing blown sand, addressing standing water, and fortifying dunes.
  • Officials reported major overwash on secondary roads in Rodanthe with no road damage confirmed, and the National Weather Service estimated 8–12 foot surf on Sept. 30 with rough conditions persisting.