Tropical Storm Hermine's heavy rains and associated strong seas prompted Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials in North Carolina to shutter the parks Friday. 

“Our decision is being made to ensure public safety. We will advise the public when the park plans to reopen," said Cape Lookout Superintendent Patrick Kenney in a release.

The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm watch for North Carolina from Oregon Inlet South, including Cape Lookout National Seashore. The area remains under a significant heavy rainfall threat. Heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding could continue into the day on Saturday, with 5 to 8 inches of rainfall possible with isolated amounts up to 10 inches for the duration of the event.

The storm could intensify once it moves off shore, the Weather Service said.

"On the forecast track the center of Hermine will move across coastal South Carolina later today, move over coastal North Carolina tonight, and move offshore of the North Carolina coast on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected through Saturday morning. Strengthening is forecast once the center of Hermine moves offshore Saturday afternoon," a special weather statement said.

At Cape Lookout, officials said, "This prolonged heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding. Dangerous conditions, such as high seas at least 12 to 16 feet, can also be expected along the track of the system."

The Island Express Ferry Service ceased operations out of Beaufort and Harkers Island for Friday and Saturday. Reservations at Great Island and Long Point Cabin Camps were cancelled for Friday and Saturday nights. People with reservations cancelled due to weather will be issued a full refund. Visitors with reservations should be monitoring the weather conditions.

Up the coast, visitor services and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial were temporarily suspended. Until the storm passes, the following closures were in effect:

* 12 p.m. Friday - All Cape Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds will close until further notice.

* 3 p.m. Friday - Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse climbs at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will stop until further notice.

* 3 p.m. Friday - Staff will begin to cable and close ORV access ramps at 3:00 pm, with all ramps being cabled and closed by 5:00 pm. Access to beaches along Cape Hatteras National Seashore will be limited to pedestrian use until further notice.

* 5 p.m. Friday - All visitor centers and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial will close until further notice.

Visitor services and facilities will reopen post-storm after assessments are completed.

At Cape Lookout, once the storm passes park staff planned to assess facilities and island locations to ensure human safety and natural and cultural resources are protected. Mariners were encouraged to stay in port during the peak of the storm. Inland wind speeds may reach 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Wind speeds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 to 60 mph are possible along the coast. Timing for strongest sustained winds across the Outer Banks is Friday night through early Saturday evening. High risk of rip currents along all area beaches are forecasted to continue through the weekend.

The National Park Service staff will be monitoring ongoing developments with Tropical Storm Hermine and will post updates as needed on the park website at www.nps.gov/calo and via Facebook and Twitter at twitter.com/CapeLookoutNPS.