News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore to receive impacts from strong coastal storm; visitors urged to use caution from Nov. 5-9

Date: November 5, 2021
Contact: Michael Barber, 252-423-0195

MANTEO, N.C. — The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City weather forecast office has increased confidence that a coastal storm this weekend will impact Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) travel routes and beaches.

Impacts are likely to include moderate to major oceanside overwash, potentially leading to challenging or impassable travel conditions, especially Sunday and Monday morning, along N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

The coastal storm is also forecast to bring strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, beach erosion and powerful surf. Off-road vehicle routes will likely be impassable for the next several days. All Seashore users should stay out of the Atlantic Ocean until conditions subside.

“Visitors should take this storm seriously as it could be one of the strongest storms of the season,” stated David Hallac, superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. “If possible, visitors should avoid travel to Seashore destinations until after the storm leaves the area.”

For weather updates, visit http://www.weather.gov/mhx. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov.

Coastal flooding information from NWS Newport/Morehead City, issued Nov. 5 at 5:44 a.m.