OUTER BANKS, N.C. -- Spectrum News is the first media outlet to gain access to Ocracoke Island after a week Hurricane Dorian hit the area.

 

 

The storm brought a seven-foot storm surge and wind gusts topping more than 100 mph. Debris lined the streets.

Ashley Harrell and her husband lost their restaurant, Gaffer's Sports Pub, after 10 years in business.

"I thought my life was over. I really did. But there's people who do have it worse than us and we'll get through it," she said.

But the miles of devastation and damage have brought hundreds of volunteers to the area. Harrell says she's even made friends with strangers and residents who are helping out one another.

 

 

"We don't have any family here. It's just the community so we don't have any immediate family here. You know you kind of feel alone a little bit...but having them here has just been amazing," she added.

If you would like to help out, Hyde County and Ocracoke Island officials say you can reach out to ocracokedisasterrelief@gmail.com.