Outer Banks island ravaged by storms and virus restrictions

OCRACOKE, N.C. (AP) — When Hurricane Dorian pounded the wisp of earth that is Ocracoke Island, a wall of Atlantic seawater flooded Bob Chestnut’s home, surf shop and four vehicles.

Seven months later, his shop was ready for business. But the coronavirus pandemic kept the doors locked. Now, as the abbreviated summer season shifts into high gear, Chestnut is focused on economic survival, welcoming crucial tourists while hoping the potentially deadly virus never arrives.

“Since we already lost the fall season and the spring season, this is it," a masked Chestnut said on the steps of his shop, Ride the Wind. “This is the one time period that we've got a shot to make some money.”

This secluded tourist destination on North Carolina’s Outer Banks is recovering from the most damaging hurricane in its recorded history while in the midst of one of the world’s worst pandemics.

Virus-related restrictions on visits were lifted in May. But just over half of the hurricane-ravaged businesses have reopened, welcoming tourists like a smile with missing teeth. The island is now also casting a wary eye toward August, which is when the hurricane season is expected to heat up again.

“Ocracoke is a paradise on good days,” said Tom Pahl, a Hyde County commissioner who lives here. “But when things go bad, they go really bad. And we're aware of that. We dig in, and we help each other get through it.”

He added: “This has been an unprecedented level of really bad.”

Hurricane Dorian struck Ocracoke on Sept. 6 and launched a 7-foot (2-meter) storm surge over parts of the island's village, which measures about a square mile.

About 400 of the island's nearly 1,000 year-round residents were forced out of their homes, many of which had flooded for the first time. Dozens of...