News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds close ahead of expected tropical storm conditions

For weather-related operational status updates for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, visit go.nps.gov/obxstorms.

News Release Date: September 21, 2023

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — Due to tropical storm strength winds and heavy rainfall forecast for tomorrow and continuing into the weekend, Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco and Ocracoke campgrounds will close at 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. The campgrounds will reopen once post-storm assessments are completed.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen is likely to bring tropical storm strength winds, heavy rainfall, high surf, rip currents and storm surge. For local weather updates, visit www.weather.gov/mhx.

Additional visitor facilities may close ahead of severe weather impacts. For weather-related operational status updates for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, visit http://go.nps.gov/obxstorms.

Road, Ferry and Beach Travel
Hazardous conditions may exist tomorrow into the weekend along N.C. Highway 12 at the following locations:

• Ocracoke Island – along a two-mile stretch of highway south of off-road vehicle ramp 59

• Southern Hatteras Island – between the villages of Hatteras and Frisco

• Central Hatteras Island – along the northern boundary of Buxton and along Ocean View Drive in Avon

• Northern Hatteras Island – along N.C. Highway 12, old N.C. Highway 12 and several side streets in northern Rodanthe and between the Pea Island Visitor Center and Basnight bridge

Visitors should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.

Ferry services to and from Ocracoke Island are likely to be suspended for periods of time. Call 252-996-6000 or 6001 for current information.

Beach driving is not recommended over the next few days, particularly around the morning and evening high tides. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for current beach access information.

Swimming
Due to the high risk for life-threatening rip currents and dangerous shorebreak, Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to avoid entering the ocean until conditions improve. View the daily beach conditions forecast at http://lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.