The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority says many hotels were booked this weekend, but says the number of visitors was down 10% to 20% from last year because of the hurricane.
FEMA is now on the ground with disaster recovery centers open in several Eastern Carolina counties while the feds have added four more counties to the disaster list.
Gov. Beverly Perdue says preliminary estimates of damages caused by Hurricane Irene to residents and businesses should be ready by the end of the week.
Hundreds of traffic signals are not working because of the loss of power. There have already been multiple close calls by drivers speeding through intersections.
The National Park Service says there was some damage along the Cape Lookout National Seashore where Hurricane Irene made landfall, but the iconic lighthouse is still standing.
Eastern North Carolina was battered with strong winds yesterday with a 115 mph gust recorded at Cedar Island. Gusts topped 70 mph throughout much of our viewing area and you'll find specific info in this story.
The Bogue Inlet Pier at Emerald Isle has collapsed during the pounding surf delivered by Hurricane Irene. The pier's website says at least 200 feet of the pier is gone.
Up and down Emerald Isle vistors evacuated Thursday and residents got ready to leave. Many are worried about one of the landmarks of the town- the Bogue Inlet fishing pier.
