National seashores on North Carolina's Outer Banks were left largely to shorebirds and wild horses Wednesday as Hurricane Maria, though nearly 200 miles offshore, sent heavy waves ashore and flooded some areas.

The National Weather Service had issued a tropical storm warning for the Outer Banks, including the two national seashores. 

While Cape Lookout National Seashore staff were planning to reopen Friday, there was no word when Cape Hatteras National Seashore would be back in business.

Cape Lookout planned to reopen on North Core, South Core, and Shackleford Banks on Friday at 8 a.m. This includes the Long Point and Great Island Cabin camps. Also, vehicle and passenger ferry services will resume offering passage to their respective areas across the Southern Outer Banks.

Though Maria was roughly 185 miles east-northeast of the Outer Banks, the two seashores remained under a storm surge warning Wednesday, with an estimated two to four foot surge continuing to pound southern Outer Banks beaches, the National Park Service said.

"Visitors should be aware the park is experiencing high surf and high tides and people traveling the beach must proceed with caution," a release from Cape Lookout said. "Also, visitors coming to the park should be sure to check the status of roads, since many areas inland from the park are experiencing record high flooding."