News Release

NPS Incident Management Team Hurricane Florence September 20 Update

Two photos of the Patriot Monument at the park; on the left the monument during a normal winter day and on the right in flood waters after Hurricane Florence.

NPS Photos

News Release Date: September 20, 2018

Raleigh, N.C. – The National Park Service Incident Management Team (IMT) is responding to national parks impacted by Hurricane Florence. At this time, 40 National Park Service employees from 22 parks and 18 states and the District of Columbia are assigned to the incident. The public is discouraged from traveling to or entering these national parks due to safety concerns during stabilization operations.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – CLOSED

• All visitor facilities and services are closed, a reopening schedule is not available at this time.

• General debris cleanup and ventilation of park buildings at Harkers Island has begun.

• Cleanup of the damaged Harkers Island Visitor Center Harbor docks was completed today.

  • Supplies for emergencies repairs are expected to arrive before the weekend.

• Cape Lookout Lighthouse is currently not working.

  • Coast Guard is responsible for the operation of the lighthouse and has begun repairs.

• There is some damage to the historic structures at Portsmouth Village primarily siding, shingle, and window damage on several buildings.

• Full assessments of island resources and facilities will begin once boat operations can support crew transfers.

• Reports from sea turtle nest surveys, which began today, are expected Friday.

Moores Creek National Battlefield – CLOSED

• The national battlefield is inaccessible due to continued flooding.

• Flooding has exceeded Hurricane Matthew levels within the park by two to three feet.

• Formal assessments and stabilization cannot begin until water recedes.

• A reopening schedule is not available at this time.

• Five of the six battlefield monuments are in flood waters.

• Historic cannon were moved to higher ground prior to the storm and are in good condition.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore – PARTIALLY OPEN

• All national seashore areas are open with the exception of Ocracoke Island which is expected to be reopened to visitors on Friday, September 21.

• The Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry is not running at this time.

• N.C. 12 north of the Pony Pens and all ramps and facilities north of that location are not accessible due to highway damage.

-NPS-