CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Early October travelers heading to the Outer Banks into the weekend need to check reservations on closures and property conditions on Hatteras Island. Turbulent waters stirred up by twin hurricanes Humberto and Imelda as of Wednesday morning have claimed now six houses by the ocean at Buxton. Due to the nature of a barrier island and houses built along the ocean with minimal or no dune line, houses are being claimed by the ocean and debris-littered beaches at Buxton are closed. Five home washed Tuesday, and sixth at the end of Tower Circle Road washed in overnight.

North Carolina’s Weather Authority reports “additional collapses are likely” especially in Buxton, and potentially in Rodanthe, as high tides approach and the rough waters continue. Additional coastal flooding is expected.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service is suspended until further notice, and Highway 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island is closed until at least Thursday due to overwash.