News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial Closures and Delayed Openings Due to Hurricane Erin

Date: August 20, 2025
Contact: Robin Snyder, [phone]

 MANTEO, N.C. — The National Park Service will delay opening for Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial until 12pm on August 21, 2025 due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin. The Bodie Island Lighthouse will remain closed on August 21^st and will reopen once post-storm assessments are complete. All other facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) remain closed until further notice.

The Seashore is urging the public to stay away from beachfront areas as swells from Hurricane Erin impact the coast. All areas of the Seashore are under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning and the forecasts indicate the potential for life-threatening surf conditions along area beaches. 

The National Weather Service is expecting hazardous conditions to peak over the next 48 hours and continue through the end of the week.

Ocean overwash has been observed at numerous Highway 12 hotspots within the Seashore and waves are washing over and through dune areas along some beach boardwalks, off road vehicle ramps, and village roadways adjacent to the beachfront. Soundside flooding is expected on Thursday afternoon and evening.  

The Seashore has temporarily closed the beachfront in the Villages of Rodanthe and Buxton to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures that may be damaged. These beach areas will be assessed as marine conditions subside and reopened as soon as any hazardous debris, if present, can be removed.