BUXTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Cleanup is underway after Hurricane Erin tore through the Hatteras Islands on Thursday.

Among those cleaning up are 60-year-old Billy Dillon, the owner of the Outer Banks Motel in Buxton. He estimates he has weathered more than 30 storms since the 1980s, but admits this one took him by surprise. After Erin, much of his property is buried in sand and water.

"It's still not the worst, but I underestimated it somewhat," he said. "The waves got a lot bigger than we anticipated."

Parts of N.C. Highway 12 also remain closed after storm surge washed over the road in multiple spots, cutting off access. According Dillon, it could be a day or two before it reopens.

"They cut the water off," he said. "We don't have any water here because the damage is so bad. Down the road f

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