The Outer Banks lost four houses in two days in Buxton. Since 2020, 31 houses have fallen into the ocean along Hatteras Island.
The latest winter storm brought a historic snow to the coast, creating blizzard conditions. With over 60 mph wind gusts, Buxton saw high tides that created the fitting conditions for the houses to collapse.
The last time a house fell in Buxton was just over three months ago, when five collapsed due to powerful surf that chewed away the shoreline.
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Census data shows that in 2020, Rodanthe, which is just about 1 square mile of land, had a year-round population of 213 residents. There were a reported 718 homes in Rodanthe, only 207 of them occupied. No new homes have been built with the town since 2020.
Buxton, with a 2020 reported population of 1,181 and 972 homes, measures three square miles.
This latest collapse brings the total to 31 houses lost along Hatteras Island since 2020, and to more than a dozen in the past few months alone. Each collapse sets off a costly and dangerous chain reaction: hazardous debris scattering for miles, cleanup crews mobilized, and long debates over who foots the bill.
“It’s not just boards and nails,” said Bill King, president of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, which helps coordinate volunteer cleanups. “You’ve got fiberglass insulation, fuel, septic, all of it. And when it’s moving in the surf, it’s a nightmare."
Cape Hatteras National Seashore advised people to stay away from the collapse sites and the surrounding beach area. The beach was closed Monday along the entire village of Buxton.
A spokesman for the national seashore told WRAL News, "Surf conditions are still elevated and debris is continuing to drift southward and wash up in different beach areas. It will take time to fully assess the extent and magnitude of the debris field and develop the most effective cleanup plans."
King said his group has worked side by side with Park Service rangers for decades but feels the response remains “entirely reactionary.”
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