News Release

Facilities to Temporarily Close due to Hurricane Idalia

Date: August 30, 2023
Contact: Nate Toering, 252-838-8909

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Cape Lookout National Seashore will temporarily close all public access facilities on Thursday, August 31, 2023. There is a possibility of the closure continuing through Friday, September 1, 2023, if conditions at that time are not safe to reopen.

Hurricane Idalia is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, rainfall exceeding six inches, and two to four feet of storm surge. The combination of these factors is expected to cause coastal flooding, both inside and outside of the park. Substantial portions of the roads leading to the park are especially prone to flooding during these conditions, and travel to and from the park may be dangerous throughout the day on Thursday. The National Weather Service has also indicated the storm will bring an elevated risk of tornadoes, especially on the southern coast of North Carolina. Extremely dangerous rip currents will be present throughout the entirety of Cape Lookout’s beaches for several days.

As the effects of the storm begin to pass on Friday, park staff will evaluate conditions on the ground and determine when public facilities may be safely reopened.

Hurricanes and tropical storm conditions can change quickly. Please seek the most up-to-date information from the National Weather Service when making decisions related to storms