Raleigh, N.C. — The flooding and high winds of Hurricane Irene washed out more than roads and homes. They left some people unable to work. Some were hurt; others saw their job site damaged or important equipment damaged. No matter the reason, those left without work because of Hurricane Irene are eligible for unemployment benefits, but the deadline to apply is coming soon.

Workers can get benefits dating from Aug. 29 by calling 1-866-795-8877 or visiting a local office of the Employment Security Commission. 

The first deadline – for residents of Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties – is Friday. 

Residents of Halifax and Lenior counties have until Monday to file.

In Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Johnston, Jones, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Vance, Warren, Washington and Wilson counties, the deadline is Wednesday.

The Northeast Workforce Development Board hiring some of those left jobless by the storm to help with cleaning up the damage. For more information, contact the Albemarle Commission at 252-426-5753, ext. 261.