NC coastal flood warning, high surf advisory in effect along parts of Outer Banks: Tracking Imelda

Another double red flag day along the Outer Banks. The National Weather Service says, in addition to high rip current risk, there are powerful breaking waves at all ocean beaches from Duck to Ocracoke.

Powerful and dangerous rip currents, an 8-12 foot shorebreak, and strong longshore current make ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.

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Ocean swimming is prohibited.

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Five unoccupied houses along North Carolina's Outer Banks have collapsed into the ocean.

Imelda was a Category 2 hurricane late Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Double Red Flag day is in effect for the North Carolina Outer Banks. High rip current risk and powerful breaking waves at all ocean beaches from Duck to Ocracoke.

Powerful rip currents, an 8 -12 foot shorebreak and strong longshore current make ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel.

Ocean swimming is prohibited.

RELATED | 5 homes collapse into the surf along Outer Banks as hurricanes rumble in Atlantic

NCDOT will close NC 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island after the arrival of the last ferry from Hatteras that is about 2:15 p.m.

Increasing ocean overwash is making the highway hazardous for drivers, according to NCDOT

It is expected to remain closed until at least tomorrow.

Five unoccupied houses collapsed in Buxton on Tuesday as rough conditions continue with Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto continuing to churn in the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore said no one was in or near the houses when they collapsed between 2 p.m. and 2:34 p.m. People are asked to stay away from the sites and use caution for several miles south, as potentially hazardous debris may be in the area.

Five unoccupied houses collapsed in Buxton on Tuesday as rough conditions continue with Hurricane Imelda and Hurricane Humberto continuing to churn in the Atlantic Ocean.

Authorities said three of the collapsed houses were on Cottage Avenue and two were on Tower Circle Road.

The entire beachfront from northern Buxton through off-road vehicle (ORV) ramp 43 is closed for public safety. ORV drivers using ramps 38 should avoid traveling to the south, and anyone using ramp 43 should avoid traveling north.

Up in Rodanthe, officials closed East Point Drive south to Surfside Drive because of oceanfront structures at risk of collapsing.