People in the community of Big Island, Pictou County were cut off Wednesday night as a section of the road across the causeway that connects the island has washed away.

The storm surge carried huge amounts of sand onto the road surface. The only way to clear it was push it away with a plow.

When the sand was cleared, officials discovered they had a bigger problem. A section of sea wall was gone, along with the road.

The storm also snapped the phone line buried alongside.

"I came up around 2 [p.m.] and it was pretty bad last night, there was no question, you wouldn't think about coming across," said Phillip Docker as he tried to get home Tuesday.

Karen O'Hara was desperate to get back to the island Wednesday morning.

"I have a 1 [p.m.] flight to Florida to see my sons for Christmas and my sisters, and my passport [is] in my house with my suitcase and I need it," said O'Hara. "Florida is looking pretty good compared to this, yes, but I love Big Island but it's too much of an adventure for me today."

It's not clear if she made that flight.

Days of repairs

As many as 18 year-round residents are affected.

Neil MacLean walked across the opening Wednesday. He said everyone on the island was fine, except for the loss of phone service.

"There's nothing wrong over on the island," said MacLean. "We are used to this."

Phillip Docker said he couldn't wait because he had to tend to his aquaculture business.

"I have an oyster operation and the boats are still in the water ... to go back there, probably under the water now, but I have to go back and see what's there," said Docker.

Local MLA Clarrie MacKinnon said it could take days to fix the road.

"It is my understanding that it will take at least two days," said MacKinnon "No one knows how much more activity there will be with the high tide coming tonight as well."