Though the "official" hurricane season doesn't start until June 1, Tropical Storm Beryl is heading north on a path that could bring it ashore along the Georgia coast. With that in mind, Cumberland Island National Seashore will close today to prepare for the storm and to get visitors out of harm's way.

Seashore officials say the park will be closed to the public beginning at 4:45 p.m. local time. How long the closure remains in place depends on the severity of the storm and conditions on Cumberland Island and surrounding waters.

“The national seashore staff has implemented our Hurricane Plan to prepare for this closure,” said Cumberland Island Superintendent Fred Boyles. “Our primary concern is visitor and employee safety, therefore our determination not to have anyone camping overnight when the storm reaches landfall."

Visitors with ferry and camping reservations on May 28 and future dates should monitor the situation for information about reopening by calling the park at 912/882-4336 ext 254.