Surf City residents get first look at damage caused by Hurricane Florence

Residents say the damage is astounding, many thinking it wouldn’t be this bad. (Source: WECT)

SURF CITY, NC (WECT) –

Sand dunes diminished and depleted, walkways crumbled on the beach. These were some of the sights Surf City residents saw Thursday as they got their first look at the damage Hurricane Florence left behind on Topsail Island.

On the northern end of Surf City, specifically North Shore Drive, the sand dunes are gone, and they are now in peoples homes. Residents are digging out sand up to 4 to 5 feet high, which displaced all of their interior belongings.

Road crews spent hours Thursday feverishly clearing the roads so residents can work towards cleanup. Walkways to nearly every single oceanfront home were gone, and the Surf City pier is missing the last 150 feet.

Residents say the damage is astounding, many thinking it wouldn’t be this bad.

The leaders of Topsail Island towns decided on Wednesday to allow residents to re-enter the island on Thursday morning as crews continue to work to restore power, water and sewage to the island after Hurricane Florence.

Topsail Beach, Surf City and North Topsail Beach opened at 9 a.m., though some residents are still without water, sewer or power.

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