BUXTON — Five oceanfront homes collapsed Tuesday afternoon in Buxton as powerful surf and high winds battered the Outer Banks, part of a stretch of hazardous weather expected to continue through the week.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) reported that the unoccupied houses fell between 2 and 2:45 p.m. along Cottage Avenue and Tower Circle Road. No injuries were reported, but officials closed the beachfront from northern Buxton through off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp 43 for public safety. Visitors are urged to avoid the area, as debris is scattered for miles along the shoreline and further collapses remain possible.
The collapsed homes were located at:
- 46001 Cottage Avenue
- 46002 Cottage Avenue
- 46007 Cottage Avenue
- 46209 Tower Circle Road
- 46211 Tower Circle Road
CHNS is providing updates on threatened oceanfront structures at go.nps.gov/cahatos.
The Albemarle Observer went to Buxton on Sept. 20. The houses are located that fell today (Sept. 30) were in a row where water washes over the pilings on a regular basis. The homes were condemned, and still contained personal items, as homeowners were unable to access them and retrieve their belongings.
Dangerous surf and strong winds
The house collapses come amid rough surf, coastal flooding, and high winds tied to the effects of Hurricane Imelda and other offshore weather systems. While Imelda is forecast to pass near Bermuda on Wednesday, swells from both Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are producing large waves and rip currents along much of the U.S. East Coast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office has issued multiple warnings for the Outer Banks:
- Coastal Flood Warning: In effect for Dare County from Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. through Friday, Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.
- Wind Advisory: From Tuesday at 8 p.m. through Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m.
- High Surf Advisory: Continuing through Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m.
Officials warn that overwash, beach erosion, and soundside flooding could occur as conditions persist.
Local impacts
In Currituck County, officials noted that while Imelda is tracking out to sea, strong wind gusts are expected through Thursday morning.
Schools are also adjusting. Pocosin Innovative Charter School announced it will shift to remote learning on Wednesday, Oct. 1, citing expected winds of up to 40 mph and safety concerns for bus drivers, staff, and students who travel long distances.
Staying safe
Authorities urge residents and visitors to use caution near beaches and waterways this week. The National Park Service reminds the public to stay out of closed areas near the collapsed homes in Buxton and to avoid traveling along closed ORV routes.
This story is ongoing. To read more about a recent meeting about at-risk oceanfront homes held in Dare County, visit our story by clicking here.