Outer Banks Group Preparing for Tropical Storm Hermine

Regional forecasts show that the storm could produce tropical storm force winds and five to ten inches of rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding and persistent flooding of roadways, parking areas, and campgrounds. Other impacts associated with this tropical storm are strong rip currents, beach erosion, downed trees, and scattered power outages.

Rip Currents: There will be a high risk of rip currents along all Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches. Swimming is not advisable under these conditions. Even under moderate risk of rip current conditions there have been three rip current related fatalities off Seashore beaches this summer, so swimming is strongly discouraged. For more information on rip currents safety go to http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.

Campgrounds: Park staff will continue to advise campers at Oregon Inlet, Frisco, Cape Point, and Ocracoke campgrounds of the inbound weather conditions. Camping in tents and recreational vehicles under tropical storm force conditions is not recommended. All Seashore campgrounds will operate on a one-day availability basis.

Road Conditions: If you are planning to drive on NC 12 on Hatteras Island, please be advised that you may encounter flooded and sand-covered road conditions from rainfall, ocean overwash, and wind. Go to https://www.facebook.com/NCDOTNC12 for current NC 12 conditions.

Beach Access Ramps: Visitors should review signs posted at the beach access ramps and use best judgment. Many beaches are likely to become impassable during both high and low tide conditions. When conditions allow for it, resource management staff may need to close portions of the beach in advance of the storm and after the storm while they monitor sea turtle nests and implement appropriate nest protections. Daily beach access ramp status updates are available on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Facebook Page at http://facebook.com/capehatterasns.

Park Updates: Visitor services, including the opening of visitor centers, may be suspended or delayed during or immediately following the storm. In the event that visitor services need to be altered due to Tropical Storm Hermine, notifications will be made through social media. The social media links are listed below.

• Cape Hatteras National Seashore

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/capehatterasns

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/capehatterasnps

• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortraleighnhs

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/fortraleighnps

• Wright Brothers National Memorial

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrightbrothersnmem

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wrightbrosnps

Weather Updates: For more weather-related information, listen to NOAA weather radio, local radio, and media for updates and advisories.