in maneo they swept sunday sweeping water from their stores and checking out the damage. >> i lifted everything off the ground. >> reporter: irene pounded parts of north carolina with more than a foot of rain and caused a massive storm surge that caught many offguard as it quick hurricane turned streets into rivers. >> here we are 4 feet above the sidewalk. we got 2, 3 inches of water into our restaurant. >> reporter: this gift shop is just one of the many businesses washed out in the flooding and it all couldn't come at a worst time for the outer banks. right before the lucrative labor day weekend some they will be working around the clock in hopes the tourist will come back. governorr bev perdue toured the area. >> reporter: neighbors are helping each other pick up the pieces. >> this is our hometown. can't let it be like this. >> reporter: the kestler family received help moving deb bring outside their home without even asking. >> very humane thing to do. >> reporter: they decided to ride out irene but won't take that chance next time around. cbs5 news, maneo, north carolina. >>>