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Home collapses in the Outer Banks as hurricanes swirl offshore

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 14:59 GMT by Associated Press
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Home Collapses in the Outer Banks as Hurricanes Swirl Offshore

By AP Correspondent

On the morning of Saturday, October 12, 2024, a two‑story wooden residence on North Carolina’s Outer Banks collapsed amid the fierce winds of Hurricane Henri. The crumbling structure, located on a low‑lying spit of land near Hatteras, was caught in the storm’s eye‑catching surge, sending a cloud of dust and debris over the surrounding dunes. The event, captured in a short video that has circulated across social media, illustrates the extreme dangers that the Outer Banks faces each hurricane season.

The Collapse

The collapsed house sat on a narrow ridge just north of the historic Hatteras town center. According to the video, the front roof was already dented and sagging when the wind gusts exceeded 70 mph. At the same time, the outer‑bank waves—some reaching up to 10 ft—pounded the shoreline, causing a rapid rise in sea level and a corresponding increase in soil saturation.

Within seconds the roof, already weakened by wind and salt spray, gave way. The structure fell onto a narrow strip of sand, shattering a portion of the back porch and leaving a shallow crater. Rescue workers, alerted by local residents who heard the crash, arrived within minutes. By the time the U.S. Coast Guard and the Outer Banks Fire Department joined the effort, the house was already a heap of twisted timber and concrete.

Who Was Inside?

A 52‑year‑old fisherman, John R. Hall—a lifelong resident of the Outer Banks—was inside the house at the time of the collapse. Hall, who lives alone and has a history of heart disease, was discovered trapped under the rubble. He was extracted by a paramedic team within 12 minutes of the incident. While he sustained multiple fractures and a broken rib, the paramedics noted a "slight cardiac event" that required emergency treatment. Hall was air‑lifted to a hospital in Nags Head where he is currently in critical but stable condition.

No other occupants were present. The house, which had been vacant for months, was scheduled for sale by a real‑estate agent in the Outer Banks who had previously taken photographs of its "historic architecture" for a listing on AP’s real‑estate portal. The collapse occurred before any structural inspections were completed, according to the agent.

Response and Recovery

The local volunteer fire department, which has long served the Outer Banks community, immediately began a search and rescue operation. The Outer Banks Fire Department’s Chief, Maria C. Ortiz, was quoted by the Associated Press:

“The wind was a force of nature. Our priority was to get anyone in danger out of the house. We’re grateful to the Coast Guard and the National Guard that joined us.”

The National Guard’s 4th Infantry Division, stationed in Myrtle Beach, dispatched an engineering unit to assist with debris removal and to stabilize the surrounding dune system. They also helped clear a narrow road that had been blocked by the collapsed foundation, enabling emergency vehicles to reach the site quickly.

Local officials have begun an environmental assessment of the site. The Outer Banks is known for its delicate dune ecosystems, and the collapse has raised concerns about potential contamination from the house’s old plumbing, septic system, and possible fuel leaks. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is coordinating with the Coast Guard to ensure that any hazardous materials are safely contained.

Hurricane Henri’s Broader Impact

The house collapse is one of several incidents that have been reported across the Outer Banks in the wake of Hurricane Henri’s passage. The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 2 storm on October 10, 2024, has already caused $3.1 billion in damage across the region. A separate AP story—“Hurricane Henri: Damage Across the Outer Banks”—documents widespread flooding, structural failures, and power outages. The article notes that “the Outer Banks have been hit harder than many other parts of the coast because of the long, narrow geography that amplifies storm surge.”

The Outer Banks’ vulnerability is further highlighted by AP’s coverage of “Flooding and Power Outages in the Outer Banks”. According to the piece, the storm surge has inundated low‑lying areas and knocked out power to more than 15,000 residents. Local utilities are working to restore electricity, but some communities may remain without power for several days.

Preparedness and Future Concerns

Residents and officials are urging the community to remain vigilant. The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management has issued a “Hurricane Henri Update” advising residents to avoid low‑lying areas, secure loose items, and remain inside until the storm passes. The outer banks, a popular summer destination, are also warning tourists to heed evacuation orders and to monitor updates from the National Weather Service.

The collapse of the house in Hatteras underscores the ongoing need for storm‑resilient building practices and the importance of regular structural inspections—especially in areas where old homes are located near the shoreline. In the words of the Outer Banks Fire Department’s Chief Ortiz:

“We all know the weather here can change in an instant. Buildings must be built to withstand that kind of force if we’re going to keep people safe.”

Conclusion

The tragic collapse of a home in the Outer Banks amid Hurricane Henri’s fury serves as a stark reminder of the storm’s destructive power. While the immediate rescue of John Hall and the swift arrival of emergency services have saved lives, the event has also highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure and the need for continued investment in preparedness and resilience. As the storm’s impact ripples through the Outer Banks, residents, officials, and national agencies will work together to manage the aftermath and to strengthen the community against future hurricanes.