Hurricane Isabel

Isabel at peak intensity, northeast of the Leeward Islands, on September 11
Meteorological history
Formed	September 6, 2003
Extratropical	September 19, 2003
Dissipated	September 20, 2003
Category 5 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	165 mph (270 km/h)
Lowest pressure	915 mbar (hPa); 27.02 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	51 (16 direct, 35 indirect)
Damage	$3.6 billion (2003 USD)
Areas affected	Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada
IBTrACS
Part of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season
Effects United States North Carolina Virginia Maryland and Washington, D.C. Delaware Other wikis Commons: Isabel images

Hurricane Isabel was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Mitch, and the deadliest, costliest, and most intense hurricane in the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Isabel was also the strongest hurricane in the open waters of the Atlantic, both by wind speed and central pressure, before being surpassed by hurricanes Irma and Dorian in 2017 and 2019, respectively. The ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the season, Isabel formed near the Cape Verde Islands from a tropical wave on September 6, in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It moved northwestward, and within an environment of light wind shear and warm waters, it steadily strengthened to reach peak winds of 165 mph (266 km/h) on September 11. After fluctuating in intensity for four days, during which it displayed annular characteristics, Isabel gradually weakened and made landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) on September 18. Isabel quickly weakened over land and became extratropical over western Pennsylvania on the next day. On September 20, the extratropical remnants of Isabel were absorbed into another system over Eastern Canada.

In North Carolina, the storm surge from Isabel washed out a portion of Hatteras Island to form what was unofficially known as Isabel Inlet. Damage was greatest along the Outer Banks, where thousands of homes were damaged or even destroyed. The worst of the effects of Isabel occurred in Virginia, especially in the Hampton Roads area and along the shores of rivers as far west and north as Richmond and Baltimore. Virginia reported the most deaths and damage from the hurricane. About 64% of the damage and 69% of the deaths occurred in North Carolina and Virginia. Electric service was disrupted in areas of Virginia for several days, some more rural areas were without electricity for weeks, and local flooding caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Moderate to severe damage extended up the Atlantic coastline and as far inland as West Virginia. Roughly six million people were left without electric service in the eastern United States from the strong winds of Isabel. Rainfall from the storm extended from South Carolina to Maine, and westward to Michigan. Throughout the path of Isabel, damage totaled about $3.6 billion (2003 USD). 16 deaths in seven U.S. states were directly related to the hurricane, with 35 deaths in six states and one Canadian province indirectly related to the hurricane.

A tropical wave moved off the western coast of Africa on September 1.^[1] An area of low pressure associated with the wave moved slowly westward, and its convection initially appeared to become better organized.^[2] On September 3, as it passed to the south of the Cape Verde islands, organization within the system degraded,^[3] though convection increased the next day.^[4] The system gradually became better organized, and Dvorak classifications began early on September 5. Based on the development of a closed surface circulation, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen early on September 6. Hours later, it intensified into Tropical Storm Isabel,^[1] though operationally the National Hurricane Center did not begin issuing advisories until 13 hours after it first developed.^[5]

Located within an area of light wind shear and warm waters, Isabel gradually organized as curved bands developed around a circular area of deep convection near the center.^[6] It steadily strengthened as it moved to the west-northwest, and Isabel strengthened to a hurricane on September 7 subsequent to the development of a large, yet ragged eye located near the deepest convection.^[7] The eye, overall convective pattern, and outflow steadily improved in organization,^[8] and deep convection quickly surrounded the 40-mile (60 km)-wide eye.^[9] Isabel intensified on September 8 to reach major hurricane status while located 1,300 miles (2,100 km) east-northeast of Barbuda. On September 9, Isabel reached an initial peak intensity of 130 mph (210 km/h) for around 24 hours, a minimal Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale.^[1]

Early on September 10, the eyewall became less defined, the convection near the eye became eroded, and northeasterly outflow became slightly restricted.^[10] As a result, Isabel weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane turned more to the west due to the influence of the Bermuda-Azores High.^[1] Later on September 10, Isabel restrengthened to a Category 4 hurricane after convection deepened near the increasingly organizing eyewall.^[11] The hurricane continued to intensify, and Isabel reached its peak intensity of 165 mph (266 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 915 mbar (hPa; 27.02 inHg) on September 11, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale.^[1] Due to an eyewall replacement cycle, Isabel weakened slightly, though it retained Category 5 status for 24 hours.^[12] As Isabel underwent another eyewall replacement cycle, outflow degraded in appearance and convection around the eye weakened,^[13] and early on September 13, Isabel weakened to a strong Category 4 hurricane. A weakness in the ridge to its north allowed the hurricane to turn to the west-northwest.^[1] After completing the replacement cycle, the hurricane's large 40 miles (64 km) wide eye became better defined,^[14] and late on September 13, Isabel re-attained Category 5 status.^[1] During this time, Isabel attained annular characteristics, becoming highly symmetrical in shape and sporting a wide eye.^[1] Hurricane Isabel also displayed a "pinwheel" eye, a rare feature that is found in some annular tropical cyclones.^[15] A NOAA Hurricane Hunter Reconnaissance Aircraft flying into the hurricane launched a dropsonde which measured an instantaneous wind speed of 233 mph (375 km/h), the strongest instantaneous wind speed recorded in an Atlantic hurricane.^[16] Cloud tops warmed again shortly thereafter,^[17] and Isabel weakened to a strong Category 4 hurricane early on September 14. Later that day, it re-organized, and for the third time, Isabel attained Category 5 status while located 400 miles (640 km) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico.^[1]

Cloud tops around the center warmed again early on September 15, and Isabel weakened to a Category 4 hurricane.^[1] Later that day, the inner core of deep convection began to deteriorate, while the eye decayed in appearance. As a ridge to its northwest built southeastward, it resulted in Isabel decelerating as it turned to the north-northwest.^[18] Increasing vertical wind shear contributed in weakening the hurricane further, and Isabel weakened to a Category 2 hurricane on September 16, while located 645 miles (1,038 km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.^[1] Convection remained minimal, though outflow retained excellent organization,^[19] and Isabel remained a Category 2 hurricane for two days, until it made landfall between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island on September 18, with winds of 105 mph (169 km/h). Isabel was a large hurricane at landfall, with a windfield of 460 miles (740 kilometres).^[20] The system weakened after it made landfall, though due to its fast forward motion, Isabel remained a hurricane until it reached western Virginia, early on September 19. After passing through West Virginia as a tropical storm, Isabel became extratropical over Western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The system continued turned northward, and crossed Lake Erie into Canada. Early on September 20, the extratropical remnant of Isabel was absorbed by a larger extratropical storm, over the Cochrane District of Ontario.^[1]

Two days before Isabel made landfall, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch from Little River, South Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the lower Chesapeake Bay. The NHC also issued a tropical storm watch south of Little River, South Carolina to the mouth of the Santee River, as well as from Chincoteague, Virginia northward to Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were gradually issued for portions of the East Coast of the United States. By the time Isabel made landfall, a tropical storm warning existed from Chincoteague, Virginia to Fire Island, New York and from Cape Fear, North Carolina to the mouth of the Santee River in South Carolina, and a hurricane warning existed from Chincoteague, Virginia to Cape Fear. Landfall forecasts were very accurate; from three days prior, the average track forecast error for its landfall was only 36 miles (58 km), and for 48 hours in advance the average track error was 18 miles (29 km).^[1]

Officials declared mandatory evacuations for 24 counties in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, though in general not many left. According to a survey conducted by the United States Department of Commerce, evacuation rates were estimated as follows; 45% in the Outer Banks, 23% in the area around the Pamlico Sound, 23% in Virginia, and about 15% in Maryland.^[21] The threat of Isabel resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents, primarily in North Carolina and Virginia, and included more than 12,000 residents staying in emergency shelters.^[22]

19 major airports along the East Coast of the United States were closed, with more than 1,500 flights canceled. The Washington Metro and Metrobus system closed prior to the arrival of the storm, and Amtrak canceled nearly all trains south of the nation's capital. Schools and businesses throughout its path closed prior to Isabel's arrival to allow time to prepare; hardware and home improvement stores reported brisk business of plywood, flashlights, batteries, and portable generators, as residents prepared for the storm's potential impact. The federal government was closed excluding emergency staff members.^[22] The United States Navy ordered the removal of 40 ships and submarines and dozens of aircraft from naval sites near Norfolk, Virginia.^[23]

A contingency plan was established at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery that, should the winds exceed 120 mph (190 km/h), the guards could take positions in the trophy room (above the Tomb Plaza and providing continual sight of the Tomb) but the plan was never implemented. However, it spawned an urban legend that the Third Infantry sent orders to seek shelter, orders that were deliberately disobeyed.^[24]

News stations were stationed with crews along the Jersey shore several days in advance of Isabel to provide breaking news and live conditions.^[25] Many residents prepared their houses by boarding windows and purchasing emergency supplies. The Sussex County chapter of the American Red Cross advised local high schools to be on stand-by as potential shelters in the event evacuation occurred.^[26] Emergency coordinators in several counties were on alert, though none issued evacuations.^[27] In preparation for anticipated power outages, the Jersey Central Power and Light company arranged to receive more electrical crews from its parent company, FirstEnergy.^[26] Other utility workers from various locations as far as Canada left for the state in the event of power outages.^[28] Several flights in and out of the state were delayed or canceled,^[29] and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry canceled travel across the Delaware Bay during the duration of Isabel. In Atlantic City, casino workers prepared for coastal flooding by placing sandbags at boardwalk entrances.^[28] New Jersey Transit workers secured its buses, railways, and light rail equipment. To ensure service would remain accessible during and after the hurricane, NJ Transit prepared backup generators, pumps, and chainsaws, with workers inspecting trains and the paths of the lines.^[30] FEMA mobilized and dispatched an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force of 28 people to the state for possible rescue duty.^[31] Days before the storm made landfall, the Salvation Army prepared food and aid for potentially affected citizens.^[32] In anticipation for the effects of Isabel, Governor Jim McGreevey declared a state of emergency, which allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deal with the situation.^[33]

The threat of the hurricane canceled some flights in and out Pennsylvania. To compensate, Delta Air Lines allowed those flying to or from Philadelphia, Allentown, and Harrisburg to reschedule to a later date. American Airlines offered a similar option. United Airlines and United Express opted to waive charging fees for travelers in and out of the state.^[34] Prior to the arrival of Isabel, Governor Ed Rendell declared a state of emergency for the state.^[35] The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency activated a support team to assist Urban Search and Rescue operations as part of the threat from the storm. The state's National Guard placed 2,990 guardsmen on Emergency Condition 5 status to be deployed anywhere in the state for emergency support, with other guardsmen readying equipment such as generators, heavy trucks, water trailers, and engineer equipment for deployment. State police officers were readied for deployment, while the state health department contacted hospitals to ensure generators were in working condition. The state Environmental Protection Agency prepared for the storm by monitoring the status of all dams, water treatment facilities, and nuclear plants. In addition, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission stationed extra workers to patrol the highways in poor drainage areas, with extra equipment prepared for quick response for potential road blockage.^[36] Prior to the arrival of the storm, officials from PECO Energy prepared its largest workforce in its history with 1,500 workers, including employees from Commonwealth Edison in Illinois and Detroit Edison.^[37]

In New York, Governor George Pataki urged residents to purchase emergency supplies and to fill cars with gasoline. The State Emergency Management Office began preparing for the hurricane about a week before it moved ashore. The office also issued a Level 1 emergency activation, with a planning unit readying contingency plans and in coordinating the efforts of other state offices. The state's National Guard began preliminary preparations for possible support efforts by reviewing the list of personnel able to be mobilized in the event of an emergency. Army and Air National Guard officials identified needed equipment in the event of an emergency, such as helicopters, generators, high-axle vehicles, and communications equipment. State police officers established contingency plans for personnel and equipment to assist as needed. The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ensured needed equipment were operational, and also secured buildings with sandbags to prevent flooding.^[38]

On September 18, the Canadian Hurricane Centre issued heavy rainfall and wind warnings for portions of southern Ontario. A gale warning was also issued for Lake Ontario, eastern Lake Erie, the Saint Lawrence River and Georgian Bay.^[39][40][41] A news report on September 14 warned conditions could be similar to the disaster caused by Hurricane Hazel 49 years prior, resulting in widespread media coverage on the hurricane.^[42] Researchers on a Convair 580 flight studied the structure of Isabel transitioning into an extratropical storm, after two similar studies for Hurricane Michael in 2000 and Tropical Storm Karen in 2001. While flying in a thunderstorm, ice accumulation forced the plane to descend.^[43]

Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. The winds, combined with previous rainfall which moistened the soil, downed many trees and power lines across its path, leaving about 6 million electricity customers without power at some point. Parts of coastal Virginia, especially in the Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina areas, were without electricity for almost a month. Coastal areas suffered from waves and its powerful storm surge, with areas in eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia reporting severe damage from both winds and the storm surge. Throughout its path, Isabel resulted in $5.5 billion in damage (2003 USD) and 51 deaths, of which 16 were directly related to the storm's effects.^[44][45]

The governors of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergency.^[22] Isabel was the first major hurricane to threaten the Mid-Atlantic States and the Upper South since Hurricane Floyd in September 1999. Isabel's greatest effect was due to flood damage, the worst in some areas of Virginia since 1972's Hurricane Agnes. More than 60 million people were affected to some degree—a similar number to Floyd but more than any other hurricane in recent memory.^[46]

Powerful surf affected the northern coastlines of the islands in the Greater Antilles. Strong swells also lashed the Bahamas. During most hurricanes, the location of the Bahamas prevents powerful swells of Atlantic hurricanes from striking southeast Florida. However, the combination of the location, forward speed, and strength of Isabel produced strong swells through the Providence Channel onto a narrow 10 miles (16 km) stretch of the southeastern Florida coastline; wave heights peaked at 14 feet (4.3 m) at Delray Beach.^[16] The swells capsized a watercraft and injured its two passengers at Boynton Beach, and a swimmer required assistance to be rescued near Juno Beach. Minor beach erosion was reported in Palm Beach County.^[47] In the northern portion of the state, waves reached up to 15 feet (4.6 m) in height at Flagler Beach, causing the Flagler Beach Pier to be closed due to damaged boards from the waves.^[48] Rip currents from Isabel killed a surfer at an unguarded beach in Nassau County, with an additional six people requiring rescue from the currents.^[49] The beaches were later closed during the worst of the rough surf.^[50]

In northeastern South Carolina, the outer rainbands produced moderate winds reaching 45 mph (72 km/h) at Myrtle Beach. Rainfall was light, peaking at 1.34 inches (34 mm) in Loris.^[51]

Isabel produced moderate to heavy damage across eastern North Carolina, totaling $450 million (2003 USD).^[1] Damage was heaviest in Dare County, where storm surge flooding and strong winds damaged thousands of houses.^[52] The storm surge produced a 2,000 feet (610 m) wide inlet on Hatteras Island, unofficially known as Isabel Inlet, isolating Hatteras by road for two months.^[53] Strong winds downed hundreds of trees of across the state, leaving up to 700,000 residents without power. Most areas with power outages had power restored within a few days.^[52] The hurricane directly killed one person and indirectly killed two in the state.^[54]

The storm surge assailed much of southeastern Virginia causing the worst flooding seen in the area since the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane, peaking at an estimated 9 feet (2.7 m) in Richmond along the James River. The surge caused significant damage to homes along river ways,^[55] especially along the middle reaches of the James River basin.^[56] The strong storm surge surpassed the floodgate to the Midtown Tunnel while workers attempted to close the gate; about 44 million US gallons (170,000 m³) of water flooded the tunnel entirely in just 40 minutes, with the workers barely able to escape.^[57] The damage to the electrical grid and flooding kept Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, The College of William & Mary and many of the region's other major educational institutions closed for almost a week. Further inland, heavy rainfall was reported, peaking at 20.2 inches (510 mm) in Sherando, Virginia,^[56] causing damage and severe flash flooding. Winds from the hurricane destroyed over 1,000 houses and damaged 9,000 more;^[58] damage in the state totaled over $1.85 billion (2003 USD), among the costliest tropical cyclones in Virginia history.^[21] The passage of Isabel also resulted in 32 deaths in the state, 10 directly from the storm's effects and 22 indirectly related.^[1]

About 1.24 million people lost power throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. The worst of Isabel's effects came from its storm surge, which inundated areas along the coast and resulted in severe beach erosion. In Eastern Maryland, hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed by the storm surge and related tidal flooding. The most severe flooding occurred in the southern portions of Dorchester and Somerset counties and on Kent Island in Queen Anne's County. Thousands of houses were affected in Central Maryland, with severe storm surge flooding reported in Baltimore and Annapolis. Washington, D.C. sustained moderate damage, primarily from the winds. Throughout Maryland and Washington, damage totaled about $945 million (2003 USD), with only one direct fatality due to flooding.^{[59][60][61][62]}

The effects of the hurricane in Delaware were compounded by flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri days before.^[63] Moderate winds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h) in Lewes^[64] downed numerous trees, tree limbs, and power lines across the state,^[65] leaving at least 15,300 without power.^[66] Numerous low-lying areas were flooded due to high surf, strong storm surge, or run-off from flooding further inland.^[65] The passage of Hurricane Isabel resulted in $40 million in damage (2003 USD) in Delaware.^[1]

The passage of Isabel through Pennsylvania resulted in two deaths and about $160 million in damage.^[1] One person suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, believed to be caused due to improperly ventilated generators in an area affected by the power outages.^[67]

Moderate winds left about 1.4 million customers without power across the state as a result of trees falling into power lines, with dozens of houses and cars damaged by the trees.^[68][69]

Upon making landfall, Isabel produced a storm surge that tracked up the Delaware River, with a station along the river in Philadelphia reporting a storm tide of 9.47 feet (2.89 m). There, the surge flooded low-lying areas along the river.^[70] The large circulation of the hurricane produced moderate winds throughout the state, with wind gusts in the southeastern portion of the state reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) in Forks Township. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also recorded a wind gust of 49 mph (79 km/h),^[71] which contributed to severe delays at the Philadelphia International Airport.^[72] The moderate wind gust downed thousands of trees, tree limbs, and power lines. PECO energy reported their worst power outage on record with about 572,425 customers losing electricity. The company estimated it would cost at least $20 million (2003 USD, $23 million 2008 USD) for it to install about 81 miles (130 km) of new cable and install about 7,600 new fuses and circuit breakers. The Metropolitan Edison power company reported 300,000 customers without power, with 500,000 Pennsylvania Power and Light customers losing electricity.^[71] Wind gusts reached 60 mph (97 km/h) in northeastern Pennsylvania, resulting in scattered reports of downed trees and power lines. Tens of thousands were left without power. A few downed trees hit cars and houses, with damage totaling about $350,000 (2003 USD, $410,000 in 2008 USD). The fallen trees also closed some roads.^[73] In the central portion of the state, the storm dropped moderate precipitation of over 3 inches (76 mm), while wind gusts reached 73 mph (117 km/h) at a station in Lancaster County. The combination of the wind gusts and moist grounds from previous rainfalls resulted in hundreds of downed tree limbs,^[74] primarily in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties.^[75] Lancaster County reportedly suffered the worst wind damage since Hurricane Hazel in 1954.^[76] The falling trees downed power lines and poles, causing power outages and some property damage due to the trees and poles hitting houses. One indirect fatality occurred when a motorist drove into a downed tree.^[74] Two other vehicles in Franklin County and a fire truck in York were hit and greatly damaged by trees. Downed wires set a Family Dollar on fire in Paradise Township and was believed to have started a fire in a church in Ringtown. Falling trees hit at least eleven houses, with one tree severely damaging a mobile home in Bellwood. Damage directly from the wind was generally minor, and included a house losing a chimney in Camp Hill, a carport being blown over in New Oxford, and at least four houses reporting roof or siding damage. The hurricane also damaged corn fields near Lancaster. Downed trees closed or disrupted traffic on at least 56 roads in the region, including U.S. Routes 6 and 322, as well as Interstate 83 in York County.^[75] Pittsburgh reported 1.24 inches (31 mm) of precipitation from Isabel.^[77] The storm produced wind gusts of up to 60 mph (97 km/h) across the southwestern portion of the state, knocking down trees and power lines.^[78] Allegheny Energy reported 31,184 customers in the southwest portion of the state lost power, primarily in McConnellsburg, State College, and Waynesboro.^[79]

Isabel produced a storm surge along the New Jersey coastline of up to 6.5 feet (2.0 m) in Cape May. Higher amounts occurred along the Delaware River, peaking in the state at 10.6 feet (3.2 m) in Burlington. At its closest approach, Isabel passed within about 215 miles (346 km) of the state, and as a result the outer rainbands produced light rainfall. Wildwood along the southeast coast reported 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain,^[1] while Lincoln Park in the northern portion of the state recorded 2.07 inches (53 mm) of precipitation.^[80] The large wind field of the hurricane produced moderate winds across the state. A shoal in the Delaware Bay experienced sustained winds of 54 mph (87 km/h) with gusts to 71 mph (114 km/h). Cape May reported tropical storm force winds with gusts to 61 mph (98 km/h), while Newark in the northern portion of the state experienced gusts to 44 mph (71 km/h).^[1] Hurricane Isabel produced slightly above normal tides and rough surf along the Jersey shore, killing one surfer off of Wildwood Crest.^[81] The combination of gusty winds and the heavy surf produced moderate beach erosion along much of the coastline, primarily to beaches facing southeastward. In the Delaware Bay and River area, no significant erosion was reported, though coastal flooding from the hurricane washed out a road and destroyed the deck of a house in Baypoint. In Cape May County waves eroded the beaches by up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in Ocean City and Avalon, with several cities experiencing a loss of dunes and geotubes in Whale Beach being exposed. Waves from Isabel in Atlantic County resulted in light damage, minor coastal flooding, and slight beach erosion. The beaches of southern Ocean County experienced a loss of 3 to 4 feet (0.91 to 1.22 m) of sand, while locations further to the north experienced only minor erosion. Most coastal areas of Monmouth County reported eroded beaches by up to 4 feet (1.2 m), with Union Beach losing about 5,000 sq. feet (465 sq. m) of sand.^[82] Moderate wind gusts throughout the state downed hundreds of trees, tree limbs, and power lines. Over 382,000 people were without power, one of the worst power outages on record for area utilities.^[81] Downed trees and power lines closed major streets and schools in Union County.^[83] One downed tree greatly damaged a house in Middletown,^[84] and in Hudson County several trees fell onto and damaged cars. A downed tree in Englewood injured a woman when she was struck,^[83] and a woman in Independence Township was killed when a fallen tree landed on the vehicle she was driving.^[81] Strong winds from Isabel blew out the windows in an office building in East Rutherford, causing injuries to two women when they were struck.^[81] Throughout the state, damage totaled to about $50 million (2003 USD .^[1]

The pressure gradient between a ridge and Isabel produced strong northeast winds of at least tropical storm force across southeastern New York.^[85] Shinnecock Inlet recorded a peak gust of 52 mph (84 km/h).^[1] A station at LaGuardia Airport recorded a wind gust of 51 mph (82 km/h),^[85] where airplane flights averaged a 90-minute delay.^[29] The strongest winds occurred in the outer rainbands, during which many trees, tree limbs, and power lines fell across the region. In the New York metropolitan area, moderate winds downed 640 trees and 801 tree limbs. A man driving through Great Neck Estates was critically injured when a tree limb fell onto the car. Additionally, a falling tree branch hit a man in the head, resulting in a serious head injury.^[85] In and around New York City, about 1.1 million customers were left without power, though most outages were fixed by the day after the hurricane passed through the region.^[86] Offshore of Long Beach, rough waves killed a man while bodysurfing.^[85] Further to the northwest the winds were not as severe, though in some places in the south-central portion of the state the winds downed some trees. A falling tree hit and damaged a car in Cobleskill. The winds also knocked out power to about 3,000 customers in the Schoharie and eastern Mohawk Valleys.^[87] In the northeast portion of the state, a few trees and power lines were blown down in Moriah, Westport, and Lewis.^[88] Precipitation was generally light in the state, with a few scattered locations reporting over 1 inch (25 mm).^[56] In Livingston County, the rainfall overflowed the reservoir, causing moderate flood damage.^[89] Initially, gasoline futures on the New York Stock Exchange rose in anticipation of a threat from the hurricane, though later dropped when the storm failed to disrupt oil refining facilities.^[90] The hurricane brought unusual birds to the western portion of the state, including petrels and shearwaters normally found in salt-water regions or over the open ocean. Most of the birds died within a few days due to the sudden change in habitat.^[91] In Cayuga County, downed power lines lit one building on fire, causing minor smoke and water damage though no injuries.^[92] Damage in the state totaled $90 million (2003 USD).^[1]

In West Virginia, the storm produced moderate rainfall across the state that peaked at 6.88 in (175 mm) near Sugar Grove.^[93] The rainfall resulted in mudslides and flash flooding, covering several roads and washing away two bridges. The South Branch Potomac River crested at 24.7 feet (7.5 m), 9.3 feet (2.8 m) above flood state near Springfield. The flooding broke a levee at Michael Field, and in Mineral County one school and 14 basements were flooded. In Jefferson County, two people required rescue after a car drove into floodwaters.^[94] Although sustained winds were weak in the state, wind gusts reached 46 mph (74 km/h) at Martinsburg. With the wet grounds, the wind gusts toppled thousands of trees, which fell onto homes, roads, and power lines.^[94] About 1.4 million residents across the state were left without power.^[95] Damage in the state totaled $20 million (2003 USD). No deaths were reported,^[1] and three were injured from the hurricane.^[94]

Isabel dropped light to moderate precipitation across the eastern half of Ohio, with isolated locations reporting over 3 in (76 mm).^[56] Moisture from Isabel dropped light rainfall across eastern Michigan and peaked at 1.55 inches (39 mm) at Mount Clemens. Additionally, Doppler weather radar estimated rainfall approached 2.5 inches (64 mm) in St. Clair County. No damage was reported from Isabel in the region.^[96]

Rainfall reached 1 inch (25 mm) in portions of western Connecticut and Massachusetts.^[56] Strong surf from Isabel caused a man to drown after losing his footing along the beach near Narragansett, Rhode Island, and being swept out to sea.^[97] Officials in Connecticut contacted a water company in Watertown and a grocer in Cheshire for donations to assist the residents affected in North Carolina. A few days after Isabel moved ashore, the officials sent a tractor trailer truck with 2,000 gallons (7570 L) of water and 25,000 pounds (11,000 kg) of ice to North Carolina.^[98] In Vermont, the strong pressure gradient produced a peak wind gust of 55 mph (89 km/h) in Pleasant Valley, causing sporadic downed trees and power lines throughout the state.^[99] In Richmond, trees fell on and damaged three trucks,^[100] and in Salisbury a falling tree damaged a car.^[101] Damage in the state totaled about $100,000 (2003 USD, $117,000 in 2008 USD).^{[99][100][101][102][103][104]} Rainfall reached 1 inch (25 mm) in various portions of New Hampshire and Maine.^[56]

Swells from Isabel produced moderate surf along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, particularly in the Gulf of Maine.^[39] Isabel also produced rough surf in Lake Ontario, with waves reaching 4 m (13 ft) along the western portion. At Hamilton, the waves surpassed seawalls and produced spray onto coastal streets.^[43] Rainfall peaked at 59 mm (2.3 in), which caused minor flooding and led to one traffic fatality. About 27,000 people lost power, mostly near Toronto.^[105] The strong pressure gradient between Isabel and a high pressure system over eastern Canada produced strong easterly winds across lakes Ontario and Erie.^[43] A buoy in Lake Ontario reported a peak gust of 78 km/h (48 mph),^[106] and gusts reached as strong as 81 km/h (50 mph) at Port Colborne, Ontario.^[1]

By about a week after the passage of the hurricane, President George W. Bush declared disaster areas for 36 North Carolina counties, 77 counties and independent cities in Virginia, the entire state of Maryland, all three counties in Delaware and six West Virginia counties. The disaster declaration allocated the use of federal funds for rebuilding and providing aid in the aftermath of hurricane Isabel.^[21] By about four months after the passage of the hurricane, disaster aid totaled about $516 million (2003 USD), primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. Over 166,000 residents applied for individual assistance, with about $117 million (2003 USD) approved for residents to assist with temporary housing and home repairs. About 50,000 business owners applied for Small Business Administration loans, with about $178 million (2003 USD) approved for the assistance loans. About 40,000 people visited local disaster recovery centers, designed to provide additional information regarding the aftermath of the hurricane.^{[107][108][109][110][111]}

In North Carolina, hundreds of residents were stranded in Hatteras following the formation of Isabel Inlet.^[112] People who were not residents were not allowed to be on the Outer Banks for two weeks after the hurricane due to damaged road conditions. When visitors were allowed to return, many ventured to see the new inlet, despite a 1-mile (1.6-km) walk from the nearest road.^[53] Initially, long-term solutions to the Isabel Inlet such as building a bridge or a ferry system were considered, though they were ultimately canceled in favor of pumping sand and filling the inlet. Coastal geologists were opposed to the solution, stating the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes.^[113] Dredging operations began on October 17, about a month after the hurricane struck. The United States Geological Survey used sand from the ferry channel to the southwest of Hatteras Island, a choice made to minimize the impact to submerged aquatic vegetation and due to the channel being filled somewhat during the hurricane.^[114] On November 22, about two months after the hurricane struck, North Carolina Highway 12 and Hatteras Island were reopened to public access. On the same day, the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke was reopened.^[53]

Power workers immediately began repairing the power failures by clearing tree branches and replacing fuses and circuit breakers. Peco energy restored power to 72% of the affected customers by two days after the storm,^[79] with 85% restored by two nights.^[115] By two days after the storm, Pennsylvania Power and Light restored power to about 80% of its impacted customers,^[79] with about 93% restored by two nights after the storm.^[115] By five days after Isabel, most power outages in southeastern Pennsylvania were repaired,^[116] with all outages restored by a week after the hurricane.^[117] Allegheny Power restored power to about 20% of its customers by two days after the storm.^[79] Most power outages for the company were restored by five days after the hurricane,^[116] with all power completely restored by a week after Isabel.^[117]

On September 26, President Bush declared Chester County as a disaster area following the damage of previous Henri, Isabel, and severe flooding unrelated to either tropical cyclone.^[118] Officials opened a disaster recovery center in West Chester to provide additional information to disaster victims.^[119] By a month after the declaration, 342 homeowners and business owners applied for disaster aid, totaling to around $600,000 (2003 USD).^[120]

In West Virginia, the power outages were restored within a week.^[115] Power workers throughout Canada assisted the severely affected power companies from Maryland to North Carolina.^[121] Hydro-Québec sent 25 teams to the New York City area to assist in power outages.^[122]

Because of widespread property damage and extensive death toll, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Isabel in the spring of 2004, and it will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Ida for the 2009 season.^[123][124]

• Hurricane Fran
• Hurricane Ernesto (2006)
• Hurricane Hazel
• Hurricane Hugo
• Hurricane Irene
• Hurricane Irma
• Hurricane Isaias
• Hurricane Sandy
• Hurricane Florence, a major hurricane that took a similar path towards the Carolinas and Virginia.
• Tropical Storm Fay (2020)- an tropical storm hit in Carolinas, and East Coast.
• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of North Carolina hurricanes (2000–present)
• Timeline of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season

• National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report for Hurricane Isabel
• National Hurricane Center advisory archive for Hurricane Isabel
• National Weather Service Assessment
• Category 5 Hurricane Isabel eye vortices java loop, Interpretation of
• Hurricane Isabel in Perspective: Proceedings of a Conference