News Release

Coastal flooding and gusty winds expected at Cape Hatteras National Seashore from Oct. 3-5

Date: October 2, 2022
Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) expects to experience major to moderate oceanside flooding, ocean overwash on some beaches and roads, soundside flooding, gusty winds and dangerous rip currents beginning tomorrow, Oct. 3 and continuing into Wednesday, Oct. 5.

A Coastal Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service forecasts 2 to 4 feet of oceanside inundation and 2 to 3 feet of soundside inundation for some areas. Ocean overwash is expected around high tides tomorrow through Wednesday.

For additional weather-related information, visit the National Weather Service's Newport/Morehead City website at www.weather.gov/mhx.

Swimming
Large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet are expected in the surf zone from tomorrow morning through Wednesday. Visitors should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295. Learn how to stay safe at the beach at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

Rodanthe Beach
Visitors should avoid a two-mile stretch of beach, between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, due to the presence of several vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and strong winds. The area should be completely avoided through this Wednesday.

Road, Ferry and Beach Travel
Travel on portions of N.C. Highway 12, especially near the north ends of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, may be difficult around high tides tomorrow through Wednesday. Monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.

Ferry services to and from Ocracoke Island may be suspended. Call 252-996-6000 or 6001 for current information.

Many off-road vehicle routes may become impassable, especially east-facing beach routes. Visit https://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for beach access updates.

Camping
Campgrounds are open but camping conditions are not expected to be favorable over the next few days. Visitors with reservations have been notified of the inclement weather.

Operational Changes
If closures of facilities or suspensions of services become necessary, they will be announced via the Seashore’s social media accounts and text alert system. To sign up for text alerts, text NPSOBX to 333111.