And yet , it could have been much worse , said the U.S. Coast Guard . NEW : Many Outer Banks homes are flooded . The storm knocks over a church steeple . Five deaths are attributed to the storm . Surfers ride the waves after Irene passes .
NEW : Many Outer Banks homes are flooded . The storm knocks over a church steeple . Five deaths are attributed to the storm . Surfers ride the waves after Irene passes .