Tropical Storm Hermine Closures at Cape Lookout National Seashore (Advisory 4)

Date: September 2, 2016
Contact: Patrick Kenney, 252-728-2250, ext. 3014

Harkers Island, NC –The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm watch for North Carolina from Oregon Inlet South, including Cape Lookout National Seashore. The area remains under a significant heavy rainfall threat. Heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding could begin as early as Friday morning and continue into the day on Saturday. Five to eight inches of rainfall will be possible with isolated amounts up to 10 inches for the duration of the event. This prolonged heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding. Dangerous conditions such as high seas at least 12 to 16 feet can also be expected along the track of the system.

Due to storm conditions, Cape Lookout National Seashore will close at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2016 and will remain closed throughout Saturday, September 3, 2016. According to Superintendent Pat Kenney "Our decision is being made to ensure public safety. We will advise the public when the park plans to reopen."

Island Express Ferry Service will cease operations out of Beaufort and Harkers Island on Friday and Saturday. Reservations at Great Island and Long Point Cabin Camps are cancelled for Friday and Saturday nights. People with reservations cancelled due to weather will be issued a full refund. Visitors with reservations should be monitoring the weather conditions.

Once the storm passes, park staff will assess facilities and island locations to ensure human safety and natural and cultural resources are protected.

Mariners are encouraged to stay in port during the peak of the storm. Inland wind speeds may reach 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Wind speeds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 to 60 mph are possible along the coast. Timing for strongest sustained winds across the Outer Banks is Friday night through early Saturday evening. High risk of rip currents along all area beaches are forecasted to continue through the weekend.

The National Park Service staff will be monitoring ongoing developments with Tropical Storm Hermine and will post updates as needed on the park website at www.nps.gov/calo and via Facebook and Twitter at twitter.com/CapeLookoutNPS.