Five Outer Banks beach houses collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean within 45 minutes Tuesday afternoon, marking the most destructive day for Hatteras Island since houses began crumbling into the sea five years ago.

The houses in Buxton fell under large swells and rough surf from hurricanes Imelda and Humberto beginning about 2 p.m., with the last collapsing about 2:45 p.m., the National Park Service said in a release. More collapses are possible, officials said.

“Very hazardous conditions are expected to continue over the next 24 hours and visitors should stay away from closed areas,” the release said.

Visitors are also urged to use caution “for miles to the south of the sites, due to the presence of potentially hazardous debris.”

The Outer Banks was under a wind, high surf and coastal fl

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