Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands remain cut off from the mainland after Hurricane Irene dumped water and sand on several parts of Highway 12. There are several breaches in the highway just north of Rodanthe. Governor Bev Perdue says officials are doing all they can.
Bev Perdue: "Highway 12 remains a major concern. We are working with our federal partners to restore this critical link to the Outer Banks."
Perdue has ordered the DOT to have a short-term plan by the end of next week and to be working as well on a long-term plan for Highway 12. Perdue says more than 1100 homes were destroyed by Hurricane Irene and that the storm has done at least $71 million in damage.
Perdue: "The one thing I do know is that this state will do whatever it takes to rebuild North Carolina and help these folks put their lives back together."
Officials have started a disaster relief fund for people who want to help. There's more information at ncdisasterelief.org