Cape Hatteras National Seashore closing facilities starting Sunday

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest brick beacon in the nation. [Sam Walker photo]

Based on recent Hurricane Isaias forecasts, the Outer Banks is likely to receive significant impacts from the storm early next week. To help ensure the safety of its visitors and staff, facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will be closed starting tomorrow, August 2.

Dare and Hyde counties recently announced state of emergencies and mandatory evacuation orders for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

More Info: 

Campgrounds: Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, and Frisco campgrounds will close at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Campers with reservations have received notifications viawww.recreation.gov. Ocracoke Campground closed yesterday, July 31.

Beach Access Ramps: All off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps will close at 9 p.m. tonight. The ramps will reopen for ORV access after evacuation orders are lifted and post-storm assessments are completed.

Swimming Prohibition: Due to the forecast for life-threatening rip currents along Hatteras Island beaches, Dare County’s state of emergency order includes restrictions on ocean swimming. Rip currents on high risk days are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

For local weather updates, visit www.weather.gov/mhx. The Seashore’s Operational Status Report at www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/operational-status-report.htm provides the most up-to-date park-specific information and conditions. 

.