Storm Watch

An RV buried to its wheels in sand after a hurricane.

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.
 
Graphic forecast for coastal flooding on 10-04-2022

National Weather Service

Storm Forecast

Coastal Low
Moderate winds and large seas from offshore low pressure and heightened tide cycle will cause coastal flooding concerns Today into Wednesday. Dangerous marine and beach conditions Today.

Coastal Flooding:
Minor sound side flooding with inundation of 1-2 ft of very low lying properties and roadways expected adjacent to the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds from Today into Wednesday.

Ocean Overwash:
Expected to impact beachfront properties and roadways especially north of Cape Lookout around the time of high tide into Wednesday.

Rip Currents: All area beaches Today and Wednesday; HIGH from Cape Hatteras North. MODERATE from Cape Hatteras South.

Dangerous Seas: Highest today into tonight, subsiding but remaining elevated Wednesday and Wednesday Night

 

News Releases

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    Before & After Satellite Imagery

    Long Point Cabin Camp before Hurricane Dorian Long Point Cabin Camp before Hurricane Dorian

    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.

     

    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.
     
    white cow found on North Core Banks after Hurricane Dorian
    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

     
    White wild cow runs away from the photographer
    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

     
     

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    The 3 wild cows that were swept from their home range by the storm surge during Hurricane Dorian over to North Core Banks in Cape Lookout National Seashore, were rounded up and returned by ferry to the mainland to be reunited with their herd.

    Last updated: October 4, 2022

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    Harkers Island, NC 28531

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