Damage upward of $13 million in OBX

OUTER BANKS, N.C. (WAVY) - The Outer Banks took a hit worth upward of $13 million in damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Thousands are stranded on Hatteras Island because the only way in and out is a 2-hour ferry ride. Highway 12, the main road to Hatteras, washed out and buckled this week from Sandy's wrath.

Photos: Outer Banks storm damage

Taxpayers have already spent millions over the last two years fixing the washed out road.

Several homes are condemned because they lost their septic tanks, sand is two feet deep on Outer Banks roads, but nothing quite compares to rolling Highway 12.

The highway is rolling asphalt because the surging ocean compromised it.

"It almost looks like an earthquake," Hatteras resident Royce Austin said. "It is a mess."

The ripped part of Highway 12 is less than a year ago - it was put down after Hurricane Irene hit a year ago.

The road was purposefully shifted away from the ocean when it was rebuilt last year and it still fell into the ocean from Sandy.

At the Avon Volunteer Fire Department, County manager Bobby Outten updated residents for three hours about the damage the area suffered.

"We shouldn't have any problems with the roads after Thanksgiving," Outten said.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says it will only guarantee one lane done by Thanksgiving, confirms Dare County Commissioner Allen Burrus.

"We are pushing them to open more lanes by then," Burrus said.

Burrus also wants four-wheel drive exemptions to let those who are equipped drive move around the road under repair, so they don't have to get on the ferry.

Frisco resident James Hartshorne was at the meeting.

"My biggest concern is we have to have good access on and off the island," Hartshorne. "I want to make sure there is plenty of ferry room available for the residents."

At the meeting Thursday, it was announced there will be an increased number of ferry runs each day, each way.

In the end, a good old positive attitude prevailed with some Hatteras residents. 

"That's why we retire down here. We want to take it easy and enjoy life. If we have to ride the ferries we have to ride the ferries," says Hatteras Island resident Terry Jennette.

Commissioner Burrus reports medical consideration will be given to those who need to get across on the ferries.