The National Park Service manages a wide variety of areas across the United States and its territories, with many different types of physical environments and visitor experiences where varying levels of service are required to manage incidents and emergencies.
During severe weather and other natural disasters, the NPS strives to ensure the safety and protection of its visitors, employees, and resources. When the NPS is responding to an ongoing extreme event, this page will provide timely updates about NPS response activities and links to specific information about parks that may be involved.
Check the list of park alerts for additional information about park closures and warnings.
Hurricane Milton
As of October 11, 2024The national parks listed below have areas that are closed or are implementing changes to visitor access to prepare for the storm. Check individual park websites to learn about closures, conditions in the park, and safety information.
Hurricane Helene
As of October 7, 2024
Many national parks across the Southeast were impacted by Hurricane Helene. All NPS employees are safe. While fully assessing damage to parks will take time, known impacts from Helene include a lack of power and communications, significant tree fall and debris, and infrastructure damage.
The National Park Service has deployed its Eastern Incident Management Team to assist parks in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with damage assessments and recovery as conditions allow. The team is coordinating with parks, FEMA, and other agencies on their actions.
The national parks listed below have areas that remain closed. Check individual park websites to learn about closures, conditions in the park, and safety information.
Florida
Georgia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail – Substantial sections are closed in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and southwest Virginia.
- Fort Frederica National Monument
North Carolina
- Blue Ridge Parkway – Catastrophic damage. Assessments are ongoing.
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee
South Carolina
Hurricane Francine
September 2024
National Weather Service
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ernesto
August 2024
During the week of August 12, Tropical Storm Ernesto was moving through the Caribbean and became a hurricane later in the week. National parks in Ernesto's path activated their emergency preparation plans prior to the arrival of the storm and, as conditions allow, will assessing damage and address any impacts.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Debby
August 2024
During the week of August 5, Debby moved slowly across Florida, the southeast coast, and the mid-Atlantic as a hurricane and then a tropical storm bringing high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. National parks in Debby's path activated their emergency preparation plans prior to the arrival of the storm and, as conditions allow, have been assessing damage and addressing any impacts.
Moores Creek National Battlefield in North Carolina closed due to flooding. Check the park website for updates.
Winter 2024 Severe Weather
January 2024
Many parks across the country experienced mild to significant weather impacts due to winter storms. As roads or facilities may have been closed, visitors were asked to check individual park websites for information about closures, conditions, and important safety information.
Coordinating the NPS Response to Severe Weather Events and Natural Disasters
NPS Photo
The immediate NPS response for parks significantly impacted by severe weather and other natural disasters is often coordinated by an NPS incident management team (IMT). An IMT’s work focuses on accounting for and assisting employees at impacted parks, organizing for the recovery work ahead, and bringing in additional staff resources to conduct damage assessments, coordinate debris removal, and provide access to park areas. The NPS also coordinates closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the lead agency for the federal response to natural disasters and severe weather emergencies.
As the NPS responds to these extreme events, employees remain vigilant and adhere to recommendations and guidelines to reduce the spread of highly infectious diseases. All responders follow recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay healthy and reduce the spread of illness. As needed, the NPS Office of Public Health and Office of Risk Management provide guidance, information, and support to help mitigate risk of disease transmission.
NPS Emergency Response Policy and Authorities
NPS emergency response efforts are directed by NPS Management Policies, which state, “The saving of human life will take precedence over all other management actions as the National Park Service strives to protect human life and provide for injury-free visits” (Section 8.2.5.1, Visitor Safety and Emergency Response). The NPS ability to respond to incidents is essential to the safety of all who enter NPS areas and is implemented in this policy.
The NPS also has authority to support emergency response outside of the parks. During times of emergency, the NPS may be asked to provide response to conduct search and rescue, firefighting, or public safety and security. The NPS can provide support for needs involving public works and engineering, public health and medical services, oil and hazardous spill response, and external affairs. In addition, the NPS is one of the support agencies to provide natural and cultural resources and historic preservation functions in the federal government under the National Response Framework.
Other Federal Resources and Information from FEMA and the CDC
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Department of Homeland Security) (Español) is the lead agency for the federal response to emergencies.
- USA.gov provides links to the latest available information on relief and response, including preparedness, helping survivors, and other resources. (GobiernoUSA.gov también provee información del gobierno en español.)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information about natural disasters, severe weather, and COVID-19 including guidelines for preparing for hurricanes.
- For information about tropical weather that may be affecting a park near you, please visit the National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NHC issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of tropical weather.
Last updated: October 11, 2024