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    Cape Hatteras

    National Seashore North Carolina

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Effects of Tropical Storm Danny on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beaches

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Date: August 28, 2009
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111 ext. 148

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch that includes all of Cape Hatteras National Seashore from Ocracoke Island to town of Nags Head, NC.  In preparation for potential impacts to the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the National Park Service anticipates strong surf conditions, with dangerous rip currents and possible ocean overwash and the potential for flooding in some areas, such as beach access ramps.  Park visitors are encouraged to stay out of the water while the effects of Tropical Storm Danny pass by the National Seashore areas.  

During periods of high tides, which will occur on Saturday morning at 4:01 a.m. and Saturday afternoon at 4:39 p.m., the beaches are subject to high wave action, erosion, and unpredictable wind conditions.  Shorelines may experience strong ocean rip currents making water activities extremely dangerous until the storm passes and surf conditions improve.

National Park Service lifeguard beach operations at Coquina Beach on Bodie Island and Ocracoke Beach on Ocracoke Island will continue through Labor Day, September 7th , 2009.  The hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/mhx/

Did You Know?

Lightning whelks are one of the few species of "left-handed" gastropods: their shells whorl to the left.

Lightning whelks eat about one large clam per month.  The whelk pries the clam open with its muscular foot, wedges the clam open with its shell, then eats the soft inside of the clam.

Lightning whelk shells, which whorl to the left, wash up on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.