Storm Watch

NPS Photo

Storms--whether a coastal storm, nor'easter, 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 as well as our social media account on Facebook and Twitter, and our Current Conditions page for information about park conditions.

 

National Weather Service

Storm forecast

Tropical Cyclone briefing for September 16, 2024 to September 18, 2024

An area of low pressure off the South Carolina coast may become either a tropical or subtropical storm on Monday, September 16th. Highest threat for tropical storm force winds will be over the coastal waters south of Cape Hatteras through Surf City. A few tornadoes are possible which may produce enhanced areas of damage. Minor coastal flooding is possible. Dangerous marine conditions expected across the coastal waters.

Image description: Infographic showing path of possible tropical or subtropical storm from Monday September 16th to Wednesday September 18th.

More details at www.weather.gov/mhx and Weather Story

 

National Weather Service

Storm forecast

Southeast U.S. Low Pressure September 14, 2024 to September 17, 2024

There is potential for the development of an area of low pressure off the Southeast U.S. coast through September 14, 2024. The risk of impacts to eastern NC is increasing regardless of whether this system becomes tropical or not.

Image description: Infographic showing expected rainfall in eastern North Carolina through Tuesday night.

Rip Currents and Large Surf: Dangerous surf zone conditions including shorebreak and longshore currents.

Localized Heavy Rainfall: Localized flooding of poor drainage area possible, especially along the coast.

Coastal Impacts: Minor coastal flooding, beach erosion, and localized ocean overwash possible.

Gusty Winds and Hazardous Marine Conditions: Including Gale Watches and Small Craft Advisories.

Key Messages:

• Considerable uncertainty in the forecast track and intensity remains as the system has yet to fully develop.
• This system has the potential to develop quickly, with possibly less lead time than normal
• Minor coastal flooding could begin as early as Monday, September 16th, 2024 afternoon and as Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for portions of the area

Impacts are not directly dependent on whether or not this low gets tropical designation, aka "gets named."

More details at www.weather.gov/mhx and Weather Story

 

National Weather Service

Storm forecast

Hurricane Debby

Hurricane Debby forecast update issued August, 5, 2024. The hurricane is forecast to slowly move across of just offshore of the Southeast this week. Regardless of storm strength or final track, we will likely see imapcts in eastern North Carolina by mid to late week. Periods of heavy rain beginning Tuesday lasting into late-week as storm slowly moves through the Southeast.

Image description: Infographic showing the track of Hurricane Debby moving across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Additional information written down one side of the graphic reads:
Timing: Periods of heavy rain beginning Tuesday lasting into late-week as storm slowly moves through the Southeast. Long duration possible - Impacts may last several days depnding on the final track and whether or not this storm slows down or stalls.

Hazards and Impacts: Potential impacts include: Heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous rip currents. Additional hazards are possible but too far out for specifics just yet.

Additional Information: Remember that a tropical system of any magnitude can cuase flooding. Most tropical related deaths are water related (flood, rip currents storm surge, etc.) Impacts can also occur well away from the center of the storm! Dont focus on just the track!

More details at www.weather.gov/mhx and https://www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical.

 

National Weather Service

Forecast
Coastal Low/Tropical Storm (9/21/2023) as of 11:40 am.

Tropical Storm WARNING posted for part of our area. Highest impacts Friday through Saturday. Biggest concerns are storm surge along the coast, inland rivers and sounds, tropical storm force winds (especially closer to the coast) and heavy rain.
More details at www.weather.gov/mhx and https://www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical.

• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.

 

 

 

 

Before & After Satellite Imagery

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

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

Satellite imagery of Core Banks at the Long Point Cabin Camp showing damage sustained in Hurricane Dorian.

 

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Wild Cows on North Core Banks

Images are of when we first spotted the one cow in September, a photo gallery of images taken of the roundup efforts on November 21 & 22 (including one of all three cows dashing away after being released on their home range) and finally a video of the ferry as it leaves North Core Banks for the mainland carrying the cows and the equipment.

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This wild cow was found on North Core Banks following Hurricane Dorian in early September.  The deep storm surge that flowed from the Pamlico Sound back to the Atlantic Ocean swept her off her home range on Cedar Island over to the barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore.  She has now been joined by 2 more wild cows that also were washed over to the barrier island during the storm.

NPS/Jeff West

 

Unlike the wild horses on Shackleford Banks at the southern end of the park, the wild cattle that lived on Cedar Island were not used to seeing humans or having them approach them.  This one took off running when the photographer tried to get closer.

NPS/Jeff West

 

 

The requested video is no longer available.