Date: September 8, 2017
Contact: B.G. Horvat, 252-728-2250, ext. 3014
HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Based on current weather models, Hurricane Irma is projected to track along the “spine” of Florida into northwest Georgia. The National Park Service is monitoring any potential changes the storm may make as it continues to move towards the United States. Cape Lookout National Seashore is currently outside of the area that will experience the effects of Hurricane Irma and will remain open to visitors through the weekend and into next week.
A storm front, unrelated to Irma, is forecast to bring high wind, extreme rip-tide and a small craft advisories to the area this weekend. As a result of the pending weather and the uncertainty of Irma’s path, the park will close the Light Station Visitor Center and stop public climbs of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, beginning at Noon on Saturday, September 9, 2017 until further notice.
Island Express Ferry Service, the park’s authorized passenger ferry concessioner, will also cease operations out of Beaufort and Harkers Island, beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, until further notice. For more information on passenger ferry service to Shackleford and South Core Banks, call Island Express Ferry Service at (252) 728-7433, or check the web at: www.islandexpressferryservices.com.
The National Park Service staff will be monitoring ongoing developments with Hurricane Irma and will post updates as needed on the park website at www.nps.gov/calo and via Facebook.
