National Park Service Announces Weather-Related Closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial

News Release Date: October 17, 2026
Contact:Cape Hatteras Public Affairs

MANTEO, N.C. - Due to forecasted strong winds and coastal impacts, the campgrounds, off-road vehicle ramps and visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, will close by 12 p.m. on Oct. 17. Reopening will begin after conditions improve and post-storm assessments are complete.

Important Updates

• The National Weather Service expects a prolonged low-pressure system to affect eastern North Carolina from this weekend into next week, bringing 45-55 mph north-to-northeast wind gusts, high surf, ocean overwash and coastal flooding.

• High Wind Watches, Wind Advisories, Coastal Flood Watches and Advisories, a High Surf Advisory, and Storm Force Wind Watches have been issued in anticipation of the storm.

• Dare County has issued a State of Emergency and a mandatory evacuation of Hatteras Island visitors.

• Hyde County has issued an urgent warning to all residents, property owners and visitors regarding the storm.

Threatened Oceanfront Structures
Several privately owned oceanfront houses in Rodanthe remain structurally compromised and at risk of collapse, creating significant safety hazards because of exposed septic systems and instability during periods of high surf and strong onshore winds.

If a house collapses, visitors should avoid walking, swimming or engaging in recreational activities near or downwind of the collapse site, as debris may be transported for miles along the Seashore.

Road Conditions
The stretch of N.C. Highway 12 south of the Marc Basnight Bridge is highly vulnerable to overwash during prolonged periods of strong northeast winds and large surf.Travelers should expect the following road conditions between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe:

• Sand and standing saltwater on highway.

• The possibility of road closures if the N.C. Department of Transportation determines conditions are unsafe.

Drivers should use extreme caution during severe weather conditions, and monitor updates from NCDOT and local authorities.

Stay Informed
The Seashore recommends the following:

• Monitor local weather updates at weather.gov/mhx.

• Review drivenc.gov for local road conditions.

• The NPS will announce the reopening of visitor areas after conditions improve.

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