Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges caution on roads and beaches ahead of hazardous impacts from low pressure system

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging caution on roads and beaches from tonight into this weekend, due to the potential for strong wind gusts, elevated tides and heavy rainfall associated with a low-pressure system.

As of this morning, the National Weather Service has issued the following updates: Strong Force Wind and Gale Warnings, High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Warning. Additionally, the National Weather Service is warning of the potential for rapid water level rises along soundside areas on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands. For weather-related updates, visit the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City website.

Beach Travel

Beach driving conditions are not expected to be favorable at off-road vehicle ramps.

Visitors should avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, and the north end of Buxton, due to the potential for small-to-large pieces of debris to fall off multiple threatened oceanfront structures during and after the storm conditions.

Campgrounds

All Seashore campgrounds are open at this time; however, campers may experience flooding around low elevation campsites.

Road Travel

Travelers should use caution along vulnerable areas of N.C. Highway 12 from tonight, Nov. 14, through at least early Saturday morning, Nov. 16, due to periods of ocean overwash. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office reported this morning that overwash is already occurring at the north end of Buxton Village. Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding may continue through this weekend due to high astronomical tides, according to the National Weather Service.

Travelers should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.