we can go this time. >> reporter: are you one of the few who stayed? give me an idea of those who decided to ride it out? >> there's about 5,000 or 6,000 residents. we understand is 500 to 1000 still on the island. a lot of people that have been here a long time and have the experience to remain. everybody on the oceanfront needs to leave. nobody needs to stay on the oceanfront on north carolina. >> reporter: all right. skippy winter, old timer on carolina beach, has decided to ride this out as he has ridden out other storms. good that you have your generator since the power is out. thank you very much, and stay safe. >> caller:y yes, sir, thank you for calling. everything is fine immediately north, and the shoreline is catching the devil.