 Hundreds of residents were stranded in Hatteras following the formation of the new inlet created by rising waters . Many parts of North Carolina Highway 12 were partially washed or damaged , which slowed recovery efforts and the return of homeowners in the Outer Banks . Sections of the highway were closed to one lane . The ferry between Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island was temporarily closed due to damage after the hurricane , though a small passenger ferry remained available for Hatteras Village residents and emergency workers . People who were not residents were not allowed to be on the Outer Banks for two weeks after the hurricane due to damaged road conditions . When visitors were allowed to return , many ventured to see the new inlet , despite a 1 mile ( 1 @.@ 6 km ) walk from the nearest road . 
