News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges caution on roads and beaches ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby

News Release Date: August 7, 2024

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. —Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging caution on roads and beaches over the next two-to-three days, due to the potential for multiple days of heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Debby. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for eastern North Carolina through 2 p.m. Friday, August 9.

For weather-related updates, visit the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City website.

Road Travel
Travelers should use caution around the hours of high tide along vulnerable areas of N.C. Highway 12 from today, August 7, through at least Friday, August 9, particularly at the northern end of Ocracoke Island, due to the potential for ocean overwash.

Low-lying areas of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island are likely to contain several inches of standing water. Motorists should use caution and slow down.Travelers can monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.

Beach Travel
Beach driving conditions are not expected to be favorable at off-road vehicle ramps.

Visitors to Rodanthe should avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, due to the potential for small-to-large pieces of house debris on the beach during and after the storm conditions.

Swimming
Dangerous rip currents are forecast to be a threat through this weekend. Swimming is not recommended until conditions improve.

Campgrounds
All Seashore campgrounds are open at this time; however, campers may experience flooding around low elevation campsites.