MANTEO, N.C.- Although Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda are not forecasted to directly impact Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) urges visitors to exercise caution this week while traveling and to stay out of closed beach areas and the ocean due to hazardous conditions. Indirect effects to the Seashore may include dangerous surf and possibly life-threatening conditions along area beaches.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, with the potential for two-to-three feet (0.6-0.9 meters) of water above ground level. Forecasts also indicate the possibility of 10-to-12-foot (3-to-3.7-meter) breaking waves impacting all Seashore beaches.
Beach Safety
A section of the Seashore in northern Rodanthe and the entire beach in front of the village of Buxton are closed due to public safety hazards. These closures are in place because of dozens of threatened oceanfront structures that may break apart or collapse, releasing hazardous debris into the water and onto Seashore beaches. The proximity of these damaged structures to Seashore lands poses a serious risk to visitors walking along the beach or wading in the surf.
Specifically:
- The beach in the village of Rodanthe, from East Point Drive south for approximately 0.15 miles (0.24 kilometers) to Surfside Drive, is closed.
- The beach in front of the village of Buxton, from the northernmost motels and houses south for about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to just north of off-road vehicle ramp 43, is closed.
Swimming Safety
Visitors should avoid entering the water on ocean-facing beaches this week until conditions improve. Dangerous shore break and rip currents are expected and may result in life-threatening ocean conditions.
Travel Impacts
Hazardous conditions may affect N.C. Highway 12. Visitors are advised to avoid travel for at least one hour before and after high tide, when ocean overwash and seepage onto the roadway are more likely.
Off-Road Vehicle Driving
High tide conditions will likely inundate many Seashore driving routes. Users should avoid driving on beaches, especially during high tide.
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