Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to use caution near the ocean and on beaches due to potential impacts from low-pressure weather system

MANTEO, N.C. - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging visitors to use caution near the ocean and on beaches from today, Sept. 15 through at least tomorrow, Sept. 16, due to potential impacts associated with a low-pressure weather system.

As of this morning, the National Weather Service's Newport/Morehead City Weather Reporting Office expects the low-pressure system to produce minor oceanside and soundside coastal flooding, moderate to strong winds, heavy rain and minor flooding, and dangerous surf conditions.

Many threatened oceanfront structures have been damaged over the last several weeks in Rodanthe and Buxton. Damaged structures may pose a threat to the safety of beach visitors in those areas, so the Seashore is urging visitors to avoid walking on the beach at the north ends of Rodanthe and Buxton, due to the potential for partial or full house collapses.

The Seashore also urges its visitors to avoid swimming until ocean conditions improve and beach drivers should use caution on ocean-side off-road vehicle routes due to potential for ocean overwash and erosion.

To view the daily beach conditions forecast, visit the Love The Beach, Respect The Ocean website.