While Dry Tortugas and Everglades national parks in Florida are returning to normal after bracing for a tropical weather system, at Cape Hatteras National Seashore up the Atlantic Coast in North Carolina officials were preparing for an approaching tropical storm.

Cape Hatteras officials say Tropical Depression Eight is predicted to become a tropical storm early Tuesday morning and impact the national seashore through the next 24-48 hours. Regional forecasts show that the impacts may include 40-50 mph winds, beach erosion, strong rip currents, and the threat of localized flash flooding with rainfall amounts of 1 to 5 inches possible. 

Park management is closely monitoring this weather system, along with Tropical Depression Nine, which may also impact the Outer Banks toward the end of this week. Currently, there are no plans to suspend visitor services at the seashore, but adjustments to park operations will be made, if necessary. All seashore campgrounds will operate on a one-day availability basis.

Visitors should review signs posted at the beach access ramps and use best judgment. Daily beach access ramp status updates are available on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Facebook page.

Farther south, Dry Tortugas National Park will reopen on Tuesday at 8 a.m. The ferry and seaplane concessions will resume day trips to the park, weather permitting. the park closed to recreational activities on August 27 at 6 p.m. for the approach of tropical weather system Invest 99L. 

In Everglades National Park, the Flamingo campground and backcountry camping reopened today. 

Visitors are advised that we have entered the peak of hurricane season in south Florida and should monitor tropical weather updates as they plan their visit. In order to protect government property and visitor facilities spread across a large geographic area, the Everglades and Dry Tortugas Hurricane Plan calls for preparations to begin at 72 hours before predicted landfall and park closures at approximately 24 hours before landfall.