Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges caution due to Humberto, Imelda

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WAVY) – Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to be careful as hazardous conditions are expected due to Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda.

Although both weather systems are predicted not to make direct impact, dangerous surf and life-threatening conditions are expected among area beaches.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, with the potential for two to three feet of water above ground level.

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, specificially:

• The beach in the village of Rodanthe, from East Point Drive south for approximately 0.15 miles 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 to just north of off-road vehicle ramp 43, is closed.

Dare County Public Schools, as a result, has announced an early dismissal day Tuesday for Hatteras students due to what it says is the potential for flooding at high tide and the ever-changing forecast on the two offshore storms.

Cape Hatteras Elementary and Secondary schools will follow their regular early dismissal schedules, while Hatteras students attending Dare Early College will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

“We were able to make this decision in advance based on the forecasted potential for overwash around the time of high tide tomorrow afternoon, which will occur around the time of normal daily admissal,” Dare County Schools said in a statement. “As you know, having any advanced notice is not always possible with weather-related events. We hope this notice provides families additional time to plan and prepare for this possibility.”