Outer Banks Homes Collapse Into Ocean as Hurricanes Pound North Carolina

Five unoccupied houses in North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday as Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda fueled massive waves.

Video shows homes in Buxton teetering on stilts before plunging into the surf, scattering debris for miles along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. No injuries were reported, but officials warn more collapses could follow.

It’s the second major collapse in six weeks, highlighting the erosion crisis and rising sea levels threatening the fragile barrier islands. Since 2020, at least 17 homes have been lost to the ocean.