NPS Visitor Centers, Campgrounds and Beach Closures as of Aug. 31, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Date: August 31, 2010
Contact: Cyndy Holda, 252-473-2111 x148

The National Weather Service is predicting that the effects of Hurricane Earl will impact the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by Thursday, September 2, 2010 with storm conditions continuing through Friday, September 3, 2010.

In anticipation of this weather event, on Wednesday, September 1, 2010, the Ocracoke Visitor Center will close at 12:00 noon and the Hatteras Island, Bodie Island, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will close 5:00 p.m. The Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet Campgrounds will close at 12:00 noon.  The Ocracoke Campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended.

The last climb for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 and the Lighthouse will close at 3:00 p.m.

By Thursday, expected ocean overwash and rough surf conditions will create unsafe conditions on seashore beaches and off-road vehicle use will be prohibited until safe conditions allow for this recreational activity.

For more information, listen to NOAA weather radio and local radio and media for updates and advisories.