NC Department of Transportation announced that the north end of Ocracoke was closed Tuesday afternoon and will remain so until at least Thursday as sustained swells from Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda will continue to batter the Outer Banks. The N.C. Ferry Division has suspended Hatteras Inlet ferries until NC 12 has reopened.
Ocracoke village is experiencing soundside flooding as high tide has approached at 2:19 p.m.
This is a breaking story and it is unknown how these collapsed houses will be dealt with if the federal government shuts down tonight at midnight.
September 30, 2025
By Joy Crist Island Free Press
Five oceanfront homes collapsed in Buxton on Tuesday afternoon, September 30, and within an hour of the 2:15 p.m. high tide, according to multiple reports. The Island Free Press will post additional details as soon as they become available.
Additional damage to oceanfront structures is possible in the northern Buxton area and Rodanthe as Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda continue to bring a long-duration swell event to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. The public is advised to avoid these shorelines due to at-risk structures as well as extensive debris reported in both areas, especially Buxton.
Ocean overwash has been reported on N.C. Highway 12 (NC12) on northern Ocracoke Island, north of Hatteras Village and northern Buxton. N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) crews are clearing the roadway, but travelers should use caution and go slowly as saltwater can damage vehicles.
