News Release

Congaree National Park Closing Ahead of Hurricane Helene

Date: September 26, 2024
Contact: Jon Manchester, 8036473964

HOPKINS, SC –Staff at Congaree National Park are currently preparing for the expected impacts of Hurricane Helene. Currently located over the Gulf of Mexico, the current forecast is calling for the storm to make landfall in the Florida panhandle and travel through north through Georgia before dissipating. Due to the large nature of Helene, effects of the storm will begin to impact our area later today and continue through tomorrow afternoon. Current forecasts are calling for our region to see sustained winds upwards of 25 miles per hour and gusts up to 45 mph, as well as between 2-4 inches of rain, increasing the probability of trees coming down. The most severe effects are forecast to impact our area Thursday night into Friday morning.

The park and all visitor facilities, including the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, and all hiking and paddling trails, will close to entry beginning today, September 26 at 4:00 p.m. through tomorrow, September 27, and will reopen once conditions allow and after park staff are able to assess park trail and facility conditions to ensure visitor and staff safety. The Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds are closed to reservations through Friday, September 27. The park will announce if additional closures are necessary as soon as that information is known. Additional details and updates on park status will be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/cong/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, as well as on the park’s social media channels.