News Release

Cape Hatteras NS, Fort Raleigh NHS and Wright Brothers NMEM Announce Visitor Facility Closures Ahead of Winter Storm

For operational status updates, visit http://go.nps.gov/obxstorms.

News Release Date: January 30, 2026

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — Ahead of an impending winter storm, all National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed this weekend and will remain closed through at least the morning of Feb. 2. The Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke campgrounds are closing at 12 p.m. today.

As of this morning, the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City Weather Forecast Office expects very strong winds, sound-side flooding and potentially significant accumulations of snow during the storm period. The NWS notes that the combination of snow, cold and wind will lead to life-threatening conditions outside. Traveling during the storm period is not recommended. The Seashore urges visitors to avoid beach driving.

Due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures, portions of the beach in Rodanthe and Buxton are closed. The beachfront closures are as follows: From East Point Drive south to Surfside Drive in Rodanthe, and from the north end of Buxton to near off-road vehicle ramp 43.

For current weather forecasts, visit the NWS Newport/Morehead City website. Park-specific operational updates will be provided on the Outer Banks Group’s severe weather webpage and social media accounts.