The Outer Banks Group National Parks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial, have begun the initial implementation of the Group’s Hurricane Plan in anticipation of the approach of Hurricane Joaquin.  The National Weather Service is predicting that the effects of Hurricane Joaquin will impact the Outer Banks of North Carolina, by Saturday, October 3, 2015 with storm conditions possibly continuing through Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

In anticipation of this weather event, the National Park Service will begin closing facilities effective noon today, Thursday, October 1, 2015.

• All NPS campgrounds, Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1, 2015 and remain closed until further notice.  The Ocracoke Recreation.gov campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended. 
• Silver Lake Marina NPS rented docks will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1.
• Ocracoke, Hatteras Island and Bodie Island NPS Visitor Centers will begin closing at noon today, Thursday, October 1 and then remain closed until further notice.  Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site will be closed Friday, October 2.  All previously scheduled evening programs are cancelled as of Thursday, October 1 until further notice.
• Climbing at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will close at noon today, Thursday, October 1 and remain closed until further notice.  All park special programs scheduled have been cancelled until further notice.
• Climbing at the Bodie Island Lighthouse will close at noon today, Thursday, October 1
• All NPS beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2 and remain closed until further notice.
• The Buxton, Ocracoke, and Bodie Island Off-Road Vehicle Permit offices will close at noon on today, Thursday, October 1.

For more information, listen to NOAA weather radio and local radio and media for updates and advisories.