Tropical Storm Hermine is expected to pass over North Carolina's Outer Banks this weekend/NOAA

Editor's note: This updates with mandatory evacuation order for Ocracoke Island at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

An approaching hurricane on Thursday prompted a decision to order the evacuation of visitors from Ocracoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks, leading Cape Hatteras National Seashore to shut down all visitor services on the barrier island. At nearby Cape Lookout National Seashore, officials were planning to shutter their operations at noon Friday.

"Due to Hyde County's mandatory visitor evacuation of Ocracoke Island, all Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitor services on the island are suspended and facilities are closed. This includes the Seashore's campground, visitor center and bookstore, the lighthouse, all beach access ramps and off-road vehicle routes on Ocracoke Island. These closures are effective at 5 p.m. today," a release from Cape Hatteras said. "Once the mandatory visitor evacuation is lifted and areas are determined safe for visitation, the Seashore will re-open facilities, ramps, and routes."

Earlier Thursday, Tropical Storm Hermine was upgraded to a hurricane. With the storm's shift back to the northeast, officials at Cape Lookout National Seashore said they would close the seashore at noon on Friday.

Although the hurricane was expected to weaken once it makes landfall, it still was expected to drench the Outer Banks. According to the National Weather Service, the national seashores can expect to experience minor to moderate impacts from the storm system.

The Outer Banks remains under a significant heavy rainfall threat, with heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding possibly beginning as early as Thursday night and continuing into Saturday. Five to eight inches of rainfall will be possible, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches for the duration of the event.

"This prolonged heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding," Cape Lookout officials said in a release "Dangerous conditions, such as high seas at least 12 to 16 feet, can also be expected along the track of the system. High risk of rip currents along all area beaches are forecasted to continue through the weekend. Due to storm conditions, Cape Lookout National Seashore will close at 12 p.m. on Friday. Island Express Ferry Service will cease operations out of Beaufort and Harkers Island for Friday and Saturday. Reservations at Great Island and Long Point Cabin Camps are cancelled for Friday. Visitors with reservations should be monitoring the weather conditions. Reservations cancelled due to weather will be issued a full refund."