News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial urge caution during periods of heavy rainfall and strong wind

Date: September 29, 2022
Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — From today through this weekend, visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial should use caution due to expected periods of heavy rainfall, flooding and strong wind.

For additional weather-related information, visit the National Weather Service's Newport/Morehead City website at www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Swimming
Visitors should avoid swimming in the ocean due to high surf and dangerous rip currents. Sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295. Learn how to stay safe at the beach at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

Rodanthe Beach
Visitors should avoid a two-mile stretch of beach, between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, due to the presence of several vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and strong winds. The area should be avoided through this weekend.

Road, Ferry and Beach Travel
Travel on portions of N.C. Highway 12, especially near the north ends of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, may be difficult late this evening through tomorrow. Monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.

Ferry services to and from Ocracoke Island may be suspended. Call 252-996-6000 or 6001 for current information.

Many off-road vehicle routes may become impassable. Visit https://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for beach access updates.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing and Educational Programs
Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing is closed Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Regular climbing opportunities will be available at the Bodie Island Lighthouse from Wednesday, Oct. 5 through the end of the climbing season Saturday, Oct. 8.

All educational programs at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are canceled Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Camping
Campgrounds are open but camping conditions are not expected to be favorable over the next several days. Visitors with reservations have been notified of the inclement weather. If the weather forecast worsens, one or more campgrounds may need to be closed until conditions improve.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Visitors should avoid walking through the park’s trails during strong winds due to the potential for tree and tree branch collapses. All educational programs are canceled Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

All educational programs are canceled Sept. 30-Oct. 1.