Tropical Storm Arthur will probably become Category 1 Hurricane Arthur and it is already causing North Carolina beach officials to close campground, beaches and National Parks.
Tropical storm and hurricane watches were posted for the North Carolina coast this morning by the National Weather Service. Rip currents, wind and rain will more than likely be a problem with this July storm. Campgrounds as Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet will close at noon today. All National Park Service beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 9 p.m. Wednesday night.The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will close at noon today and the Bodie Island Lighthouse will close at 6:30 p.m. today. Cape Lookout National Seashore will close at 5 p.m. today.
The North Carolina Ferry System is operating on a normal schedule today but will more than likely be effected or stopped if high winds occur. The NCDOT is already moving heavy equipment to the coast in preparation for the storm. Highway 12 along the coast is a common problem from sand and overwash with tropical systems and hurricanes.
Many towns have already rescheduled Fourth of July celebrations for after the storm.