Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges caution during hazardous conditions

MANTEO, N.C. - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) urges visitors to exercise caution this while while traveling and to stay out of closed beach areas and the ocean due to hazardous conditions.

Although Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda are not forecasted to directly impact Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, indirect effects will include dangerous surf and life-threatening conditions along area beaches.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, with the potential for 2 to 3 feet of water above ground level. Forecasts also indicate the possibility of 10-to-12-foot breaking waves impacting all Seashore beaches.

Beach Safety
A section of the Seashore in northern Rodanthe and the entire beach in front of the village of Buxton are closed due to public safety hazards. These closures are in place because of dozens of threatened oceanfront structures that may break apart or collapse, releasing hazardous debris into the water and onto Seashore beaches. The proximity of these damaged structures to Seashore lands poses a serious risk to visitors walking along the beach or wading in the surf.

Specifically:

• The beach in the village of Rodanthe, from East Point Drive south for approximately 0.15 miles to Surfside Drive, is closed.
• The beach in front of the village of Buxton, from the northernmost motels and houses south for about 1.5 miles to just north of off-road vehicle ramp 43, is closed.

Travel Impacts
Hazardous conditions may affect N.C. Highway 12. Visitors are advised to avoid travel for at least one hour before and after high tide, when ocean overwash and seepage onto the roadway are more likely.

Off-Road Vehicle Driving
High tide conditions will likely inundate many Seashore driving routes. Users should avoid driving on beaches, especially during high tide.