I had a trip planned to the Outer Banks for 2nd week in October but have heard that Isabel really did a number there. NPR stated this morning that if you want to assist in the effort send money not packages or yourself. Question: Should we avoid the area so as not to get in the way of the effort, or go on to give our dollars as tourists. Any info would be appreciated.

If you had hotel reservations, call the hotel. Several lost their roof or had other damage. If you are renting a home, call the realtor and they will let you know about the house.

If you were planning to stay south of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, I hope you can swim. Hatteras village is cut off. I new inlet formed over the road stranding all the people who stayed. Ocracoke road is pretty much gone. I haven't heard much about Duck/Corolla area.

Work crews have been using construction equipment to get sand off the roadways. Yesterday, people who live or have businesses on the island were allowed to return. Power is still out in most places.

You might want to come up with an alternative location on your trip. If I remember your plans right, the OuterBanks were in the middle of your trip. Where are you staying before and where are you headed? We might have some suggestions of other places to go.

I can't imagine how this area will again be enjoyable for vacation tourists for many more weeks to come, certainly the fall months are out.

Living in a tourist area and having lived through Hurricanes, I agree with calling the place you are staying to make sure it is still there.

Go, go, go. They will need your tourist dollars. I'm sure the entire area of the Outer Banks is not closed down.

It is my understanding that Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and the northern beaches were not hit too hard. We own rental property in Kill Devil Hills and our tenants report no damage. (It is not ocean front). We hope to drive down within the next week to check it out. If we get there, I will post a report for you. Checking with your hotel or realtor is probably the best idea. The Norfolk, Va paper (Virginian Pilot) has some good reports. Go to pilotonline.com

I am in the Outer Banks right now and the conditions vary hugely depending on where you are headed.

Southern Shores, Duck, Corolla and points north have relatively light damage (torn siding, dune decks mangled, missing screens) but most services are fully restored. Some places farthest north are virtually untouched. Supermarkets are reopening today as well as some restaurants. Folks from Va Beach and Chesapeake are headed down here to get gas and ice as much of the Hampton Roads area is still without power.

Immediately south (Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head) is really dicey. A big stretch of Rt 12 (beach road) is history and there is still plenty of standing water on Rt 12 and the business road Rt 158. Numerous homes/business are lost and many are damaged. At the present moment only residents and owners are being allowed south of Mile Post 1 as cleanup work continues.

Hatteras Island suffered devastating losses. The maps will need to be redrawn as some parts no longer exist and there are lnlets that weren't there three days ago. Hatteras lighthouse remains standing.

I agree with GoTravel. Things are improving hourly. Lots will be back to normal before your trip in October and the families who own businesses here will need and appreciate your tourist $. Hearts go out to those who lost so much but the majority of this community is bouncing back with typical spirit.

Thanks all, yes OBX was in the middle of trip but was rerouted to the end. We will go to Jersey and work our way down. Had no hotel plans on OBX thought we would wing it. In fact for a 16 day trip I only have reservations on 3 nights, ok 6 if you count the 3 nights with family. I really want to see the ocean in this area, have seen it from Maine to Jersey and part of maryland. Also plan to 'do the bridge' Cheasapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge, how did it fair?

The water's receding around here Arkansas - we've lost power from Thursday until late today and there's still many others who have not had power back on. The surge came at high tide and came right up the bay. It's amazing what it did to waterfront property and the new waterfront areas that have been created.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has reopened and I'm not certain how long the tunnel may have closed.

I wouldn't hesitate to come up to Maryland - we'll pretty well cleaning up and might be back on par by then.

Just back from a quick trip to OBX to check on our property. We fared very well - lost a few shingles and a few screens. Access was opened to all as of noon yesterday. We did not travel as far as Nags Head. Our places are in KIll Devil Hills. From about mile post 4 in Kitty Hawk, the beach road going north is closed (or non-existant). That area was blocked by police cars, so we didn't see much. All the businesses along the bypass (Rt 158) are open and the beach road is open south of mile post 4. Some property had heavy damage, but others, like us, had almost nothing. Most of the hotels and motels are open. Just about all power is restored.

I think things are very bad south of Whalebone Juntion along Rt 12 and Hatteras is still cut in two.

Many of the residents we talked to have not been able to work for a week and these are the kind of jobs where you don't get paid if you don't work. So they are anxious to get back to normal.

I think you should plan on going in October. Call ahead to make a reservation. The business owners and locals will be glad to have you. October is always a wonderful time of year at OBX. The weather is usually good and the crowds are gone.

As much as I hate it problems, ie new engine and transmission in car, will end the trip to the OBX before it starts, will still try to get to Jersey shore and that bridge. Asheville is possibly off the plan list too. Thanx all anyway.