News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Announces Temporary Off-Road Vehicle Ramp Closures Due to Severe Weather Conditions

Photo of beach conditions on the morning of Sept. 24 in Rodanthe, N.C.

NPS

News Release Date: September 24, 2026
Contact: Cape Hatteras Public Affairs

MANTEO, N.C. — Beginning Sept. 24, Cape Hatteras National Seashore temporarily closed all off-road vehicle ramps as deteriorating coastal conditions continue to impact the area. The closures are in place due to hazardous driving conditions and risks that drivers will become stranded at high tides. Additionally, the beach from the northern boundary of Rodanthe to the pier in Rodanthe, is closed to all access as multiple threatened oceanfront structures pose risks to public safety.

Additional Information

• The N.C. Department of Transportation has closed N.C. Highway 12 between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe due to significant ocean overwash and hazardous travel conditions.
• According to the National Weather Service’s latest briefing, the greatest coastal impacts are expected between high tide around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 and Friday morning, Sept. 25. Minor ocean overwash may continue into the weekend around high tides.
• Visitors should avoid entering the ocean until conditions improve due to hazardous surf and the potential for poor water quality.
• Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing operations are suspended today due to high wind speeds.

Over the coming days, Seashore staff will evaluate beach and ramp conditions. Once areas are determined safe for public use, closures will be lifted at ORV ramps. Check go.nps.gov/beachaccess for updates.

Stay Informed
The Seashore recommends the following:

• Monitor local weather updates at weather.gov/mhx.
• Review drivenc.gov for the status of N.C. Highway 12 and other local roads.
• Check Seashore-specific closure alerts at nps.gov/caha.

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