News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial facilities closed Aug. 31

Date: August 30, 2023
Contact: Mike Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — All facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed Thursday, Aug. 31, due to expected tropical storm strength winds and heavy rainfall. Once post-storm assessments are completed, facilities at the three parks will reopen to the public.

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
Life-threatening rip currents are expected through the next several days. Seashore visitors should stay out of the ocean until conditions improve. Go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx for the latest beach conditions forecast.

Road, Ferry and Beach Travel
Travel is not recommended around the times of high tide (mornings and evenings) along portions of N.C. Highway 12 within the Seashore, where hazardous conditions are likely from blowing sand, potential ocean overwash and flooding from rainfall. These conditions may exist along the following portions of N.C. Highway 12:

• 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 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

Seashore 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.

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

Rodanthe Beach
Visitors should avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, due to the presence of vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and strong winds.

Educational Programs and Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
All educational programs and Bodie Island lighthouse climbing opportunities are canceled Thursday, Aug. 31. Depending on impacts from the storm, programs and climbing opportunities may be canceled again Friday, Sept. 1.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The Visitor Center is closed and educational programs are canceled Thursday, Aug. 31. Visitors to the park should not use the trails during strong winds due to the potential for tree and tree branch collapses.

Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial is closed Thursday, Aug. 31.