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Potent Storm Prompts Delayed Opening At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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Published Date

December 17, 2023

An approaching storm has prompted a delayed opening Monday for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial/NPS file

A potent storm rolling up the East Coast has prompted Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial to schedule a delayed opening on Monday.

As of Sunday afternoon, the National Park Service planned to open the three units at noon Monday, with the Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke campgrounds at Cape Hatteras National Seashore opening when possible.

The strong coastal low-pressure system was expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the area Sunday evening into Monday morning. The National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City forecast indicates that ocean overwash on N.C. Highway 12, beach erosion, and soundside flooding are likely to occur during the storm period.

Travel through vulnerable areas of N.C. Highway 12 should be avoided Sunday evening into Monday, the Park Service said. Vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 include: 

  • Ocracoke Island — along a two-mile stretch of highway south of off-road vehicle ramp 59 
  • Southern Hatteras Island — between the villages of Hatteras and Frisco 
  • Central Hatteras Island — along the northern boundary of Buxton and along Ocean View Drive in Avon 
  • North Hatteras Island — along N.C. Highway 12, old N.C. Highway 12 and several side streets in northern Rodanthe, and between the Pea Island Visitor Center and Basnight Bridge. 

Travelers should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.govBeach driving conditions are not expected to be favorable at off-road vehicle ramps.

Visitors to Rodanthe should avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive until ocean conditions improve.

For weather-related operational status updates for the Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, visit go.nps.gov/obxstorms.

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