You are here

Home » More Than A Dozen Parks Closed By Idalia

More Than A Dozen Parks Closed By Idalia

Share

Published Date

August 30, 2023

Hurricane Idalia's charge across Florida on Wednesday prompted more than a dozen units of the National Park System to close in the face of forecasts calling for heavy rains, high winds, storm surges, and possibly tornadoes.

In Georgia, Andersonville National Historic Site, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park all were closed Wednesday.

In neighboring South Carolina, Congaree National Park, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park were closed.

In North Carolina, Cape Hatteras National Seashore was to close Thursday, as was Cape Lookout National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial. Moores Creek National Battlefield closed at midday Wednesday.

In Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas national monuments, and DeSoto National Memorial were closed, while some beaches at Canaveral National Seashore were closed. Everglades National Park was open, but there could be high winds and some flooding, the park cautioned.

At Gulf Islands National Seashore, which touches both Florida and Mississippi, the Santa Rosa Area, including Opal Beach Area and Highway 399, and the Fort Pickens Area were closed until further notice due to storm surge from Hurricane Idalia creating standing water up to two feet deep in certain areas. Campground reservations for Fort Pickens were postponed or canceled through Thursday.

"On the forecast track, the center of Idalia will continue moving across southeastern Georgia through this evening, near the coast of South Carolina tonight, and just offshore the coast of southern North Carolina on Thursday," read a report from the National Hurricane Center. "Idalia is forecast to weaken further, but it could still produce hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, through this evening across portions of southeastern Georgia and southern South Carolina. Idalia is forecast to be a tropical storm while moving near the coasts of northeastern South Carolina and North Carolina tonight and on Thursday."

Related Stories:

Opening Dates And Price Changes At Cape Lookout National Seashore
Lawsuit To Remove Feral Horses From Cumberland Island National Seashore Dismissed
Lost And Found

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.