Public advised to avoid Buxton shoreline following five house collapses, overwash threat continues into Wednesday

The public is advised to avoid the Buxton shoreline after five oceanfront homes collapsed on Tuesday, scattering dangerous debris along the beach as a coastal storm continues to impact the Outer Banks.

According to multiple reports, debris from the collapsed structures—including pilings, lumber, and household materials—has washed into the surf and nearby areas, and additional structural failures remain possible as large waves and elevated water levels continue.

The five homes that collapsed on Tuesday were located at 46002 and 46003 Ocean Drive, 46223 and 46213 Tower Circle Road, and 46016 Cottage Avenue. All were unoccupied at the time of collapse.

Tuesday’s five collapses bring the total number of oceanfront homes lost in Buxton to 15 since mid-September, and 16 overall on Hatteras Island, which includes a collapse in Rodanthe.

Meanwhile, ocean overwash affected multiple areas of N.C. Highway 12 around Tuesday’s noon high tide, including northern Ocracoke Island, Buxton, Avon, and Pea Island.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reports that N.C. Highway 12 will remain closed overnight between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, as well as on the north end of Ocracoke Island, due to continued ocean overwash and flooding.

In Buxton, the highway has reopened at the Buxton curve, but NCDOT warns that sand and standing water still cover portions of the roadway. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution if travel is necessary, as open stretches of Highway 12 remain wet and partially covered with sand in several areas.

Officials say the safest option overnight is to stay off the road entirely, as conditions will remain hazardous through the next high tide. NCDOT crews will reassess conditions Wednesday morning after the overnight tide cycle before determining when the closed sections can safely reopen.

All ferry service to and from Ocracoke Island—including the Hatteras–Ocracoke route—has been suspended due to hazardous conditions and high winds.

According to the latest National Weather Service (NWS) briefing from Newport/Morehead City, strong northeast winds will gradually ease overnight but will remain gusty through Wednesday, with large waves and elevated water levels expected to persist along the Outer Banks.

Minor to moderate ocean overwash and coastal flooding will also linger through Wednesday, particularly at vulnerable locations along Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Oceanside inundation of 2 to 3 feet above ground level is expected, along with 1 to 2 feet of soundside flooding adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound.

Gale warnings remain in effect for all coastal waters, with gusts up to 45 knots expected before winds begin to ease late tonight. Offshore seas are forecast to peak this evening and remain elevated for much of the week, continuing to produce dangerous surf and beach erosion along the Outer Banks.

Forecasters are also monitoring a second low-pressure system that could bring a low-end severe weather threat Wednesday night into Thursday, along with additional minor coastal impacts later in the week.

Residents and visitors are urged to monitor official updates from the National Weather Service and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and to avoid all oceanfront and closed beach areas until conditions improve.

Photos below by Don Bowers