 Wind and water damage across the Outer Banks was extensive . Strong waves and the storm surge from Hurricane Isabel knocked about 30 to 40 houses and several motels off of their pilings . Two families who did not evacuate were nearly swept out to sea when their home was destroyed . Local rescue was unable to reach them ; however , they were ultimately able to reach safety . The rough waves greatly affected piers in Nags Head , Rodanthe , and Frisco , with three being completely destroyed . Several locations along North Carolina Highway 12 were partially washed out or covered with debris , and 15 foot ( 4 @.@ 5 m ) sections of pavement on both sides of a bridge near Ocracoke were washed away . Strong waves destroyed a beach access ramp , as well . Several thousand homes and businesses were damaged by the passage of the hurricane , and damage in Dare County totalled nearly $ 350 million ( 2003 USD , ( $ 450 million 2016 USD ) ) . In the Outer Banks , no deaths or injuries were reported . 
