Storm Watch

Hurricane Dorian Damage at Long Point Cabin Camp in 2019

Left image
Long Point Cabins Before
Credit: / Image Credit: Google Maps

Right image
Long Point Cabins After
Credit: / Image Credit: NOAA

 

NPS Photo

Storms--whether a coastal storm, northeaster, tropical storm, or hurricane--are a part of living along the coast. Storms can affect the park with overwash, erosion and closures. The park will issue news releases on the storm(s) and any possible impacts to the islands and park operations.

Before, during, and after a storm, please monitor this page, our Facebook and Instagram and our Current Conditions page for information about park conditions.

During named storms, the storm area in Cape Village, and Long Term Parking on North and South Core is open for visitors to use. Vehicles camping and park in the dunes is still prohibited. There is no designated storm shelter location on Shackleford Banks.

 

 

08/22/2025 - The National Park Service is assessing for any impacts due to Hurricane Erin. Currently, very few damages to park facilities or resources have been found. But there is a lot of standing water in various areas that will need time to dry out.

As of today, August 22, 2025:

• The Harkers Island Visitor Center is open.
  • Hours of operation are daily from 9:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. (EDT)
• The Light Station Visitor Center (and the pedestrian boardwalks from the Lighthouse Ferry Dock leading up to and around the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and to the oceanside pedestrian beach) is open.
  • Light Station Visitor Center hours of operation are daily from 9:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. (EDT)
• Passenger ferry service (via Island Express Ferry Service) to South Core and Shackleford Banks, from Beaufort and Harkers Island, are open. For more information, call [phone], or visit: www.islandexpressferryservice.com.
  • Hours of operation, from Beaufort: daily, every 30 minutes from 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
  • Hours of operation, from Harkers Island: daily, every hour from 8:15 A.M. – 5:45 P.M.
• South Core Banks: Open to pedestrians and beach driving only, due to standing water on the backroads.

For Saturday, August 23, 2025:

• The Great Island Cabin Camp will reopen.
  • For more information regarding cancellations, or upcoming reservations, contact Recreation.gov at [phone], or at: www.recreation.gov.
• South Core Banks open to vehicle traffic.
• Visitors with vehicle ferry reservations may call for more information regarding schedule and/or reservations at the following: Cape Lookout Cabins and Camps Ferry Service (Davis, NC; [phone]).

For Sunday, August 24, 2025:

• The Keeper’s Quarters Museum will reopen.
  • Hours of operation are daily from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
• North Core Banks will reopen to vehicles.
  • Visitors with vehicle ferry reservations may call for more information regarding schedule and/or reservations at the following: Morris Marina (Atlantic, NC; [phone]).

 

Cape Lookout National Seashore began assessments of the park on August 21, 2025. While evaluating the park, water was found on the backroad on South Core Banks.

NPS Photo

8/21/2025 - Staff returned to Cape Lookout National Seashore to conduct assessments on August 21, 2025. The park is working to open things back up, but a majority of assessments will take place on August 22, 2025. However, the Harkers Island Visitor Center will reopen at 9:00am on August 22, 2025. Cape Lookout National Seashore will continue to update their social media and website over weekend.

 

Key messages about Hurricane Erin from 5:00am on August 20th, 2025

NOAA

08/20/2025 - 1. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags.

2. Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected in the North Carolina Outer Banks beginning later today or tonight. The storm surge will be accompanied by large waves, leading to significant beach erosion and overwash, making some roads impassible. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Thursday along the southeastern coast of Virginia.

3. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda on Thursday and Friday.

4. Interests elsewhere along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts, and Atlantic Canada, should also monitor the progress of Erin as strong winds are possible Thursday through Saturday.

 

8/18/2025: Hurricane Erin is forecast to be a potential threat to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch for the entire coastline. North and South Core Banks are expected to experience the most significant impacts. Coastal flooding may begin as early as Tuesday, more than 24-hours before any potential tropical storm force winds arrive. Coastal flooding will likely be along duration issue with impacts lasting late into the week.