News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Temporarily Suspend Visitor Services and Close Facilities Ahead of Tropical Storm Conditions

Date: September 25, 2017
Contact: Boone Vandzura, 252-475-9032

As of 8:00 am this morning, Monday September 25, 2017, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch. According to current forecasts, it is likely that some direct impacts from Hurricane Maria, including tropical storm force winds, ocean overwash, and soundside storm surge will occur in the area beginning Tuesday, September 26.

Due to potential impacts from predicted tropical storm conditions, today, visitor services will be suspended and visitor facilities temporarily closed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

• 12:00 pm - Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and Frisco Campgrounds will close until further notice. Ocracoke Campground closed at 12:00 pm yesterday.

• 3:00 pm - Staff will begin to cable and close off-road vehicle Seashore beach access ramps. All ramps will be closed by 5:00 pm. Access to beaches along the Seashore will be limited to pedestrian use until further notice. Daily beach access ramp status updates are available on the Seashore’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/capehatterasns.

• 5:00 pm - All Seashore visitor centers and facilities will close until further notice.

Visitor services and facilities will reopen post-storm after assessments are completed.
 

Rip currents, large swells, and windy conditions associated with Hurricane Maria are producing life-threatening surf conditions along the Seashore and these conditions are expected to continue through the week. Seashore Superintendent David Hallac strongly urges all beachgoers to stay away from the surf and out of the water until dangerous conditions subside. For a daily rip current forecast go to http://www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. For information on rip currents safety go to: http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.

A mandatory non-resident evacuation order for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands has been issued by Hyde and Dare Counties. Hyde County’s evacuation order can be viewed at http://www.hydecountync.gov/newsdetail_T73_R1474.php and Dare County’s at https://www.darenc.com/Home/Components/News/News/1755/398.

For more weather-related information, check local NOAA weather forecasts, and local radio and media for updates and advisories.