MPEG-1 (.mpg) format (572 kb) Isabel, which was once a powerful Category 5 hurricane in the central Atlantic with winds estimated at 160 mph, finally came ashore on September 18, 2003, as a much weaker Category 2 storm. Coastal geologists were opposed to the solution, stating the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes. Only New Hampshire's risk remains unchanged at a 1% chance of a direct hit. [14], Gusty winds downed several trees across Alexandria, causing about $2million in damage (2003USD, $2.3million 2008USD). Isabel was a large hurricane at landfall, with a windfield of 460 miles (740 kilometres). Of those who evacuated, about 64% left for the house of a friend or a relative, with about 24% evacuating to a hotel or a motel. It made landfall near Drum Inlet on the Outer Banks of North [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 12,000residents staying in emergency shelters. [16] The swells capsized a watercraft and injured its twopassengers at Boynton Beach, and a swimmer required assistance to be rescued near Juno Beach. Aug 27, 1998. Many private piers and some public ones along the coastline were destroyed or damaged from the waves and storm surge, including a destroyed pier each in Buckroe Beach and Lynnhaven. [7], The winds downed trees throughout the area, some of which hit homes and vehicles. [32] Many other jurisdictions were added, based on subsequent damage reports, and by September 22, 99 jurisdictions were eligible for disaster assistance. Over 166,000 residents applied for individual assistance, with about $117million (2003USD) approved for residents to assist with temporary housing and home repairs. Even Plymouth more than 50 miles inland reported gusts as high as 95 mph. The surge caused significant damage to homes along river ways,[41] especially along the middle reaches of the James River basin. 153 people were killed in Virginia alone. One residence in Amherst County suffered minor damage, and in Appomattox County one home reported major damage. [1] Later that day, the inner core of deep convection began to deteriorate, while the eye decayed in appearance. [14] Additionally, fallen trees severely damaged 31homes and caused minor damage to 68more in Stafford County. [29] Rainfall peaked at 59mm (2.3in), which caused minor flooding and led to one traffic fatality. . Apr 30, 2006 at 3:00 am. The flooding also killed 2530 head of livestock. It hit 15 states including Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York and other. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch from the North Carolina/Virginia border to Chincoteague near its border with Maryland about 50hours before Isabel struck land, including the southern portion of the Chesapeake Bay. [66], Isabel dropped light to moderate precipitation across the eastern half of Ohio, with isolated locations reporting over 3in (75mm). The Small Business Administration approved more than 3,000 low-interest disaster loans from homes and businesses, with the value of the loans totaling $74million (2003USD; $87million 2008USD). Storm surge values of more than 8 feet flooded rivers that flowed into the bay across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Isabel was the most intense hurricane of the 2003 season and directly resulted in 17 deaths and more than $3 billion in damages. Hurricane Isabel . . 1. The u-oh moment is the fact that three and a halfdays out from landfall, Isabel was a category 5, Sammler said. The majority of the damage that we experienced resulted from falling trees. The disaster declaration allocated the use of federal funds for rebuilding and providing aid in the aftermath of hurricane Isabel. 1999 - Hurricane Floyd passed directly over Virginia Beach on a track similar to Hurricane Donna. The rainfall led to river flooding, including minor to moderate flooding along the Rivanna and James Rivers, moderate flooding along the Appomattox River, and moderate to major flooding along the Meherrin, Nottoway, and Blackwater Rivers. The surges in several tidal rivers caught some residents by surprise, both in height and severity. [24] The storm surge tracked into the central portion of the state, with a site on the James River in Richmond reporting an estimated surge of about 9 feet (2.7m), about 103river miles (166km) from its confluence with 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. [30][31], The governors of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergency. Hurricane Isabel was the ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. Isabel continued the trek north and west, lashing Hampton Roads with wind, rain, and storm surge. 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. Top 5 worst hurricanes to hit Virginia A look back at our most impactful hurricanes. 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. In this NOAA National Hurricane Center handout, Hurricane Isabel is seen closing in on the North Carolina Coast September 17, 2003. [18] The hurricane produced a strong storm surge across northern Virginia, reaching 9.5 feet (2.9m) in Alexandria. Isabel formed on September 6 from a tropical wave that exited the coast of Africa on September 1. Hurricane Isabel struck Virginia as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. [22], 19 major airports along the East Coast of the United States were closed, with more than 1,500flights canceled. ADVERTISEMENT. At Hamilton, the waves surpassed seawalls and produced spray onto coastal streets. In Stafford County, the surge Hurricane Isabel made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island in North Carolina with winds of 105 mph. Minor beach erosion was reported in Palm Beach County. [39] Strong winds downed hundreds of trees of across the state, leaving up to 700,000residents without power. [23], The storm surge washed out 160homes and 60condominiums in Fairfax County, with an additional 2,000units reporting minor to severe damage from the flooding. Every other state's risk increased by 33-100%. [1] Convection remained minimal, though outflow retained excellent organization,[19] and Isabel remained a Category2 hurricane for twodays, until it made landfall between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island on September 18, with winds of 105mph (165km/h). [9] In Chincoteague, the famous Chincoteague Ponies were moved by volunteer firefighters to grounds of about 20 feet (6.1m) higher. [52] Numerous low-lying areas were flooded due to high surf, strong storm surge, or run-off from flooding further inland. It moved northwestward, and within an environment of light wind shear and warm waters, it steadily strengthened to reach peak winds of 165mph (270km/h) on September 11. [29] The South River at Waynesboro rapidly flooded and crested at nearly 13.9 feet (4.2m), destroying four bridges and flooding downtown businesses in 23 feet (0.610.91m) of water. Repair crews in the East Coast states are working to restore power to 3.3 million customers still without power from Hurricane Isabel, as power companies said it would take at least a week to . "Although one hasn't hit What Was The Last Hurricane . Rainfall was light, peaking at 1.34inches (34mm) in Loris. [32], Powerful surf affected the northern coastlines of the islands in the Greater Antilles. [29], Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. [34] Rip currents from Isabel killed a surfer at an unguarded beach in Nassau County, with an additional six people requiring rescue from the currents. On September 9, Isabel reached an initial peak intensity of 130mph (210km/h) for around 24hours, a minimal Category4 hurricane on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Scale. [3] The hurricane destroyed more than 1,186homes and 77businesses, severely damaged 9,110homes and 333businesses, and left 107,908homes and over 1,000businesses with minor damage. The evacuation destinations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia were varied, with 23% leaving for Maryland and 46% staying in their own neighborhood or community. The effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia proved to be the costliest disaster in the history of Virginia. The track ofIsabel gave ourarea a storm surge unlike tropical systems in recent history. That included WAVY News 10 Chief Meteorologist Don Slater, who has been with 10 On Your Side since the early 1980s. [15] The passage of the hurricane resulted in an agricultural damage total of about $117million (2003USD, $137million 2008USD). [16] The outer rainbands of Isabel spawned a 150-foot (46m) wide F0 tornado in Nottoway County near Crewe, the only confirmed tornado during the passage of the hurricane. Hurricane Isabel was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Mitch, and the deadliest, costliest, and most intense hurricane in the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. [7], In the Hampton Roads region, Isabel produced a high storm surge, including reports of 7.5 feet (2.3m) at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and a peak of 8.3 feet (2.5m) at Gloucester Point. 2003 - Hurricane Isabel also . [21] By about four months after the passage of the hurricane, disaster aid totaled about $516million (2003USD), primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. Biden announces aggressive new, Newsfeed Now: Biden to launch new plan against COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Health experts concerned about COVID-19, Newsfeed Now: Pres. One of many houses destroyed from massive flooding caused by Hurricane Isabel along South River Road in the Western part of the state. Williamsburg has probably had only one direct hurricane hit in the last 100 years: Hazel arrived on Oct. 15, 1954. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Isabel had attained category 5 status; fortunately, it encountered vertical wind shear and lost much of its intensity before landfall. It caused devastation from Virginia Beach to Yorktown, Virginia. But there was a problem. and left long-lasting impacts as it traveled toward the Northeast including bringing severe weather and heavy . According to the National Weather Service, the damage from Isabel in Virginia alone was some $3.37 billion. [59][60][61][62][63][64] Falling trees from moderate winds downed power lines across the region, causing sporadic power outages. Hurricane Fran was a Category 3 . Damage in the Shenandoah Valley totaled about $29million (2003USD; $34million 2008USD). [55] Moderate winds left about 1.4million 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. Not only who was impacted, but how wide reaching the impact was,Sammler said. The South Branch Potomac River crested at 24.7feet (7.5m), 9.3feet (2.8m) above flood state near Springfield. The hurricane then rapidly intensified, moving through Categories 2 and 3 of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and reaching Category 4 status by late on 8 September.Isabel remained at Category 4 strength until reaching Category 5 intensity . The name Laura will be replaced by Leah in the 2026 . About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . I fully expected the "authorities" to take care of everything after Isabel . [35] The beaches were later closed during the worst of the rough surf. The camera was flown at about 2500 meters collecting imagery from Topsail Island near Camp Lejeune, NC up to the NC/Virginia state line. More than 350 FEMA inspectors visited homes to verify damages caused by Isabel, and by the end of September 2003 about 12,000 inspections were completed. . By the next day, we had an idea of Mother Natures force, through the eye of Isabel. [11] The hurricane continued to intensify, and Isabel reached its peak intensity of 165mph (270km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 915 mbar (hPa; 27.02 inHg) on September 11, a Category 5 hurricane on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Scale. The storm that would later become Hurricane Katrina surfaced on August 23, 2005, as a tropical depression over the Bahamas, approximately 350 miles (560 km) east of Miami. At its peak, the storm had winds of up to 105 mph (170 km/h) with 1-minute sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). [1] Later on September 10, Isabel restrengthened to a Category4 hurricane after convection deepened near the increasingly organizing eyewall. [40], The storm surge assailed much of southeastern Virginia causing the worst flooding seen in the area since the 1933 ChesapeakePotomac hurricane, peaking at an estimated 9feet (2.7m) in Richmond along the James River. During most hurricanes, the location of the Bahamas prevents powerful swells of Atlantic hurricanes from striking southeast Florida. In Virginia, the CSU team predicted the odds of a land-falling hurricane this year at 11%, compared to a historical probability of 7%. [76] 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. By noon (of Sept. 18) the winds were howling, and continued that way through a good eighthours. [8], Despite the orders, a relatively small number of people evacuated for the hurricane. Currently: Tropical Cyclone - Category 3, approximately 420 mi from suva, fiji. [71][72][73][74][75], In North Carolina, hundreds of residents were stranded in Hatteras following the formation of Isabel Inlet. Some of the highlights are listed below: The hurricane of 1878: Gale of '78 is a category 2 hurricane and is considered to be the strongest recorded . Investigation prompts missing persons policy change, Effects linger from wrongful accusation in Norfolk, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [9] Isabel intensified on September 8 to reach major hurricane status while located 1,300miles (2,100km) east-northeast of Barbuda. Although she had subsided from a Category 5 to a Category 2 storm, Hurricane Isabel still packed considerable punch as she came ashore between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras on North Carolina's Outer Banks on September 18, 2003. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 made landfall as a Category 2 near Cape Lookout in North Carolina, before entering Virginia as a Category 1 . Washington, D.C. sustained moderate damage, primarily from the winds. This weekend in 2003 Hurricane Isabel hit Hampton Roads. At its peak over the Atlantic, Isabel was a Category 5 hurricane (winds greater than 155 mph), sending coastal horse . The storm tracked northwest through North Carolina, Virginia, West . [6] In some locations, the surge surpassed the previous record set by the 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane. Moderate to severe damage extended up the Atlantic coastline and as far inland as West Virginia. [20] Several bridges in the Hampton Roads area were closed due to the hurricane. It was the season's ninth named storm, the second major, and the fifth hurricane. Officials closed schools, government offices, and businesses across the eastern portion of the state, leaving usually heavily congested roads as empty streets. [9] In all, more than 160,000 residents in southeastern Virginia were told to evacuate, including 11,000 in vulnerable locations along the Chesapeake Bay[10] and all residents in mobile home parks in Chesapeake and Newport News. Many residents believed a portion of the eye passed over the city. The hurricane then accelerated into northeast South Carolina as a category four hurricane. Three people died when a car in southern Fluvanna County crashed into a tree. [1], In West Virginia, the storm produced moderate rainfall across the state that peaked at 6.88in (175mm) near Sugar Grove. The hurricane and its aftermath claimed more than 1,800 lives, and it ranked as the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Its track was more than 9010 km (5600 mi) long and it existed for over 22 days, 10 days of which were spent as a major hurricane. Isabel captured a lot of media attention, and was probably the most powerful storm to hit North Carolina since Hurricane Hazel in 1954. Additionally, Doppler weather radar estimated rainfall approached 2.5inches (64mm) in St. Clair County. [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 Category4 hurricane. Isabel was coming for the United States, and it had many forecasters worried. Under an Isabel-level storm combined with the maximum sea . The system continued turned northward, and crossed Lake Erie into Canada. [14] In Arlington County, flooding and downed trees destroyed twohouses and damaged 192homes, 46severely. Baltimore Sun. Virginia Hurricane Isabel. Water flowed down the Black Creek at 60mph (97km/h), washing out the bridge and several hundred feet of asphalt along several locations of State Route 608. About 27,000people lost power, mostly near Toronto. [7] The downed trees snapped many power lines, leaving about 365,000Dominion Virginia Power customers in the Richmond area without power. [7] We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. [1] Hurricane Isabel also displayed a "pinwheel" eye, a rare feature that is found in some annular tropical cyclones. Wiki User. In response to the power outages, FEMA installed 28 generators at disaster-affected critical public facilities to support life-sustaining community needs. The federal government was closed excluding emergency staff members. [40], Dominion Virginia Power quickly began to restore the widespread power outages with a workforce of about 11,000, working between 14 and 16hours per day. One section of CSX Transportation railway tracks in Prince William County collapsed into the Potomac River from the surge. [16] Cloud tops warmed again shortly thereafter,[17] and Isabel weakened to a strong Category4 hurricane early on September 14. [42] The strong storm surge surpassed the floodgate to the Midtown Tunnel while workers attempted to close the gate; about 44million US gallons (170,000m3) of water flooded the tunnel entirely in just 40minutes, with the workers barely able to escape. By the time Isabel entered Virginia late on September 18, evacuations were also issued for Accomack County, Chincoteague, Gloucester County, Lancaster County, Mathews County, Newport News, Poquoson, Portsmouth, and Westmoreland County. destroyed five marinas and broke many boats free from their docks, while in Alexandria it flooded numerous businesses and severely impacting marinas. [1] After completing the replacement cycle, the hurricane's large 40mile (65km) wide eye became better defined,[14] and late on September 13, Isabel re-attained Category5 status. The nationwide maximum rainfall total from the hurricane was 20.2 inches (510mm) in Sherando, Virginia. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Heavy rains and high winds knocked out power to 320,000 Virginia Power customers. Officials distributed sandbags throughout the state for residents in flood-prone areas, including about 10,000 in the city of Alexandria. In Virginia Beach, beach erosion and coastal flooding was minimal, credited due to a $125million beach expansion project. Throughout the path of Isabel, damage totalled about $5.5billion (2003USD). Virginia reported the most deaths and damage from the hurricane. [67] Damage in the state totaled $20million (2003USD). The effects on the Eastern Shore were similar. 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Photo by Melissa Ann Janssen/FEMA: [39], In West Virginia, the power outages were restored within a week. [13] A portion of the roof of The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves, was damaged by the winds. The most severe flooding occurred in the southern portions of Dorchester and Somerset counties and on Kent Island in Queen Anne's County. It was comparable to the Chespeake-Potomac Hurricane of August 1933 for Virginia and Maryland. [1], By about a week after the passage of the hurricane, President George W. Bush declared disaster areas for 36North Carolina counties, 77counties and independent cities in Virginia, the entire state of Maryland, all three counties in Delaware and six West Virginia counties. [66] About 1.4million residents across the state were left without power. At 5 a.m. EDT on Monday, Ian was moving northwest at 13 mph (20 kph), about 90 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of Grand Cayman, according to the center. Will NN Williamsburg Airport survive long term? 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. Later that day, it re-organized, and for the third time, Isabel attained Category5 status while located 400miles (650km) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Soc. The office also issued two county-wide flood warnings and 43 flood warnings and flood statements for various river basins. A man canoeing in high flood waters drowned in Harrisonburg, while two others drowned in a horse and buggy after crossing a low water bridge in Rockingham County. [43] 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 20.2inches (513mm) in Sherando, Virginia,[42] causing damage and severe flash flooding. Rainfall was fairly light, with 2 inches (51mm) recorded in Heathsville. [43] Improper use of generators caused three indirect storm deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from improper ventilation of homes. In Surry, only 9% of those in a Category2 hurricane storm surge zone left. through eastern north carolina and central virginia. Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle as a Category . Throughout Maryland and Washington, damage totaled about $945million (2003USD), with only one direct fatality due to flooding. What states did hurricane isabel hit? Hatteras Island took a lashing during the opening hours of Isabel. About 50,000business owners applied for Small Business Administration loans, with about $178million (2003USD) approved for the assistance loans. Winds: 1-minute sustained: 75 mph (120 km/h) Gusts: 105 mph (170 km/h) Pressure: 969 mbar (hPa); 28.61 inHg: Fatalities: 10 direct, 26 indirect Isabel's greatest effect was due to flood damage, the worst in some areas of Virginia since 1972's Hurricane Agnes. Across the state, the hurricane generated an estimated 660,000dump trucks of debris. [8] Two people in the region died due to falling treesone in New Kent County and one in the city of Hopewell. [77] Dredging operations began on October 17, about a month after the hurricane struck. By . [23], A contingency plan was established at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery that, should the winds exceed 120mph (190km/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. Part two of Hurricane Isabel: 15 Years Later, airs Wednesdaynight on WAVY News 10 at 6.). It moved northwestward, and within an environment of light wind shear and warm waters it steadily strengthened to reach peak winds of 265km/h (165mph) on September 11. Three years ago this September, a storm surge driven by winds from a weakening Hurricane Isabel produced the worst Chesapeake Bay flooding in 70 years . [1] One person died in Accomack County when a tree fell on his mobile home. The storm destroyed one home and damaged 20, severely damaged three businesses, and caused some crop damage in Pittsylvania County. Has any hurricane hit Virginia? Later on September 17 Governor Mark Warner provided authorization for all recommended evacuations to become mandatory. Sept. 12, 1878: A hurricane spawned several tornadoes in Virginia between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., killing one and injuring seven. [1] Due to an eyewall replacement cycle, Isabel weakened slightly, though it retained Category5 status for 24hours. The hurricane turned more to the west due to the influence of the Bermuda-Azores High. With the wet grounds, the wind gusts toppled thousands of trees, which fell onto homes, roads, and power lines. [14] A total of 1.8million electrical customers were left without power,[7] with electrical damage totaling $128million (2003USD, $150million 2008USD). Biden surveys Ida cleanup in, Hampton City Schools hosting in-person teacher job, Portion of Jeanne St in VB closing over the weekend, US men accused of selling aviation equipment to Russia, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders, Former Trump ICE director on border separations:, Youngkin responds to resignation of top education, NPS shares surprising advice for bear encounters, Manchin on Social Security, Medicare: Is there a, CAT scan: Pet goes through X-ray machine at Norfolk, Portsmouth Police zero in on drug trafficking organization, Fire causes heavy damage at VB amphitheater, Local HBCU creates controversy with Caucasian email. [1], About 1.24million people lost power throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. No damage was reported from Isabel in the region. Lives were lost, power was out for weeks, and in places, the coastlines of Virginia and North Carolina were changed forever. [10] As a result, Isabel weakened slightly to a Category3 hurricane. [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. Hours later, it intensified into Tropical Storm Isabel,[1] though operationally the National Hurricane Center did not begin issuing advisories until 13hours after it first developed. 104 mph winds at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. FLOODING BIGGEST THREAT . Rainfall from the storm extended from South Carolina to Maine, and westward to Michigan. Isabel moved with peak winds of 167 mph (270 kph). Damage in the state totaled $50million (2003USD). The most recent Norfolk, VA hurricane was Ana in 2015. The tools officials used to determine the evacuation zones included shelter locations, the SLOSH storm surge model, evacuation maps, and clearance times. Disaster Recovery Centers, which contain information on the aftermath process, were opened in eight locations and received more than 1,850 inquiries. There, emergency management personnel evacuated about 300people due to the ensuing flooding, which caused about $250,000 in property damage (2003USD; $293,000 2008USD). Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Police searching for two endangered missing children, 16YO arrested after shooting in NC restaurant parking, Missing endangered 15-year-old in Newport News found, Newport News Public Schools hosts virtual job fair, Man charged with murder after bodies found in home, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? 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. A gale warning was also issued for Lake Ontario, eastern Lake Erie, the Saint Lawrence River and Georgian Bay. Aug. 30 - Sept. 5, 1999. About 44million US gallons (170,000m3) of water from the Elizabeth River flooded the tunnel entirely in just 40minutes, with the workers barely able to escape. [16] Despite being classified as a hurricane while crossing the state, sustained winds only peaked at 70mph (110km/h) at Gloucester Point, 4mph (6.4km/h) less than minimum hurricane intensity. [6] Additionally, inland hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued for south-central Virginia. The storm tracked northwest through North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and into Pennsylvania, causing over $5 billion in damage. As a ridge to its northwest built southeastward, it resulted in Isabel decelerating as it turned to the north-northwest. Even two days before landfall,with the storm still hundreds of miles away, the first effects of Isabel were felt. The flooding broke a levee at Michael Field, and in Mineral County oneschool and 14basements were flooded. Damage included a destroyed marina from flooding, with falling trees damaging buildings and vehicles. [1] An area of low pressure associated with the wave moved slowly westward, and its convection initially appeared to become better organized. [3], By four days before Isabel made landfall, most weather models predicted Isabel to make landfall between North Carolina and New Jersey.