Hurricane Erin Prompts Closures on Assateague Island

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. — Due to the approach of Hurricane Erin, the following closures are in effect on Assateague Island-effective immediately:

• The Oversand Vehicle Areas (both in Maryland and Virginia) are closed until further notice due to flooding and beach erosion.
• All Oceanside Beaches (including the Assateague Island State Park Beach) are closed to all in-water activities due to extreme Rip Current conditions and anticipated extremely high surf.
• There is a partial closure of Parking Lots at the Chincoteague Beach location; it is anticipated that this will eventually become a complete closure.

This is a fluid situation, and it is impossible to predict when things will reopen. There is also the possibility of more closures in the next few days, as wind speeds and tidal surge caused by the passage of Erin are difficult to predict and coincide with a very high tide cycle.

Check nps.gov/ASIS and Assateague National Seashore and Assateague State Park Social media sites for updates.

For general information about the Seashore and park activities access the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.