Visitors should avoid beach in northern Rodanthe during hazardous weather conditions on Sept. 22-23

Due to the potential for ocean over wash and beach erosion associated with distant Hurricane Fiona, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) recommends that visitors avoid the beach adjacent to Rodanthe, N.C., from Thursday, Sept 22 through Friday, Sept. 23.

The recommendation to avoid a two-mile stretch of beach, between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive, is based on recent National Weather Service forecasts and the presence of several vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and high winds. Additionally, it is possible that structures associated with some homes, including wires, pipes and septic systems may become partially or completely exposed and hazardous to the public as the ocean washes over the beach.

Hurricane Fiona is also forecast to produce an extended period of dangerous rip currents beginning tomorrow and continuing into the weekend. Seashore visitors are encouraged to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts by texting OBXBeachConditions to 77295. Learn how to stay safe at the beach at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

For additional weather-related information, visit the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City website at www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical.