what category was hurricane isabel when it hit virginia what category was hurricane isabel when it hit virginia

FLOODING BIGGEST THREAT . The unusually large wind field uprooted many thousands of trees, downed many power lines, damaged hundreds of houses, and snapped thousands of telephone poles and cross arms. 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. 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. Aug. 30 - Sept. 5, 1999. [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. Hurricane-force wind gusts were recorded at multiple locations, with a 91mph (146km/h) reading at Gloucester Point and unofficial reports peaking at 107mph (172km/h) on Gwynn's Island. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The worst of Isabel's effects came from its storm surge, which inundated areas along the coast and resulted in severe beach erosion. The combination of the surge and waves resulted in minor beach erosion and overwash. [39], In West Virginia, the power outages were restored within a week. 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. a day after Hurricane Isabel hit the area . 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. [15] A NOAA Hurricane Hunter Reconnaissance Aircraft flying into the hurricane launched a dropsonde which measured an instantaneous wind speed of 233mph (375km/h), the strongest instantaneous wind speed recorded in an Atlantic hurricane. More than 60million people were affected to some degreea similar number to Floyd but more than any other hurricane in recent memory. [1] Hurricane Isabel also displayed a "pinwheel" eye, a rare feature that is found in some annular tropical cyclones. 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. Hurricane Ivan's journey was a long one. Winds from the hurricane destroyed over 1,000houses and damaged 9,000more;[44] damage in the state totaled over $1.85billion (2003USD), among the costliest tropical cyclones in Virginia history. [14] A total of 1.8million electrical customers were left without power,[7] with electrical damage totaling $128million (2003USD, $150million 2008USD). By noon (of Sept. 18) the winds were howling, and continued that way through a good eighthours. Hatteras Island took a lashing during the opening hours of Isabel. 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. The name Laura will be replaced by Leah in the 2026 . Has a Category 5 Hurricane Ever Hit Virginia? [28], Intense rainbands from Isabel produced heavy rainfall across the Shenandoah Valley,[29] peaking at 20.2 inches (510mm) in Upper Sherando in Augusta County. Hurricane Isabel was the hardest hit that Hampton Roads Virginia has taken from a storm in over 20 years. The fasted sustained wind speed at Cape Henry was 134 mph with gusts to 150 mph. 2011-02-24 01:07:36. [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. [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. [9] The deaths were considered indirectly related to the storm. [67] Damage in the state totaled $20million (2003USD). At least tenpeople were directly killed by the storm, and hundreds more were injured. [21] By about four months after the passage of the hurricane, disaster aid totaled about $516million (2003USD), primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. Has a hurricane ever hit Richmond Virginia? After passing through West Virginia as a tropical storm, Isabel became extratropical over Western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. [56][57][58], Damage in New York totaled $90million (2003USD),[1] with Vermont reporting about $100,000 in damage (2003USD). It also affected other areas such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia . The tools officials used to determine the evacuation zones included shelter locations, the SLOSH storm surge model, evacuation maps, and clearance times. [43] Improper use of generators caused three indirect storm deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from improper ventilation of homes. 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. [30], The rainfall led to extensive flash flooding and river flooding, including along several tributaries of the South River. 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 . Thousands of houses were affected in Central Maryland, with severe storm surge flooding reported in Baltimore and Annapolis. [39] 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. ; Ivan had the world record of 33 (32 consecutive) six-hour periods with an intensity at or above Category 4 strength, which was broken two years later by pacific Typhoon Ioke with 36 (33 consecutive) six-hour periods at . The flooding broke a levee at Michael Field, and in Mineral County oneschool and 14basements were flooded. [16] The swells capsized a watercraft and injured its twopassengers at Boynton Beach, and a swimmer required assistance to be rescued near Juno Beach. 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. When did hurricane isabel hit north carolina? [18] Falling trees killed two in the areaone in Chesterfield County and one in the city of Richmond. (WFXR) - Ida is the second major hurricane in the Atlantic hurricane 2021 season, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Soc. - When Hurricane Isabel reached the Virginia Coastal Plain on September 18, 2003, it was still a Category 2 hurricane, the strongest hurricane to hit Virginia for The Wakefield National Weather Service office issued three tornado warnings for four counties, though none became tornadoes. Damage was greatest along the Outer Banks, where thousands of homes were damaged or even destroyed. Baltimore Sun. Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle as a Category . Most of those in Hampton and Norfolk left for elsewhere in the state, while the majority of those in the Northern Neck evacuated to destinations in their own neighborhood or community. Over 600 images were collected over the three day period. It hit 15 states including Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York and other. It was the first (and to date, the only - thankfully) hurricane I've experienced personally, and back then I really had no idea how difficult the aftermath would be. [8] The Virginia Army National Guard and State Police troopers assisted in the evacuations. Every other state's risk increased by 33-100%. No, there has never been a Category 5 hurricane that has made landfall in . . And finally someone sent a note that just said 75 percent of the area is without power., (In part two of our series, the aftermath, the weeks of struggle to get things back to normal, and the price tag put on 2003s costliest tropical system. (2.9million kg) of ice and 1.4million US gallons (5,300m3) of water to areas affected by Isabel. Hurricane Bertha. [7] Power outages left most traffic lights not working across Hampton Roads, resulting in multiple minor car accidents. [7] The downed trees snapped many power lines, leaving about 365,000Dominion Virginia Power customers in the Richmond area without power. The storm surge impacted much of the southeastern portion of the state, peaking at around 9 feet (2.7m) in Richmond along the James River; the surge caused significant damage to homes along riverways. Coastal geologists were opposed to the solution, stating the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes. When Hurricane Isabel reached the Virginia Coastal Plain on September 18, 2003, it was still a Category 2 hurricane, the strongest hurricane to hit Virginia for more than 70 years, and it inflicted much damage on forests. [7][29][31], On the day of Isabel moving through the state, President George W. Bush declared 18 counties and 14 independent cities as disaster areas, making residents and business-owners there eligible for federal funding. Isabel continued the trek north and west, lashing Hampton Roads with wind, rain, and storm surge. Incident Period: Sep 18, 2003 - Oct 1, 2003 Declaration Date: Sep 18, 2003 Quick Links. In this file photo, people look over the water damage from Hurricane Isabel in flooded . On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island in North Carolina with winds of 105 mph. 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. isabel increased to a category 5 hurricane on september 11.northeast of the leeward islands.peaking in strength on september 12.with 160 mph winds. 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. The surge caused significant damage to homes along river ways,[41] especially along the middle reaches of the James River basin. [4][5] Initially, forecasters predicted it to move along the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay,[4] though as the hurricane neared land the predicted track was much closer to where it ultimately was. [26], Wet conditions caused many accidents along roadways in central Virginia. When it made landfall just south of Cape Hatteras along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Isabel's winds neared 100 miles . [35] By 12days after the passage of the hurricane, FEMA distributed more than 6.3million lbs. I fully expected the "authorities" to take care of everything after Isabel . 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). Isabel was the worst hurricane to affect the Chesapeake Bay region since 1933. ADVERTISEMENT. Then the morning of Thursday, Sept.18, it was go time for Isabel, and time for Hampton Roads to hunker down and ride out the storm. Isabel moved with peak winds of 167 mph (270 kph). [32] Many other jurisdictions were added, based on subsequent damage reports, and by September 22, 99 jurisdictions were eligible for disaster assistance. No deaths were reported,[1] and three were injured from the hurricane. Throughout the path of Isabel, damage totalled about $5.5billion (2003USD). In Virginia, the CSU team predicted the odds of a land-falling hurricane this year at 11%, compared to a historical probability of 7%. The hurricane then accelerated into northeast South Carolina as a category four hurricane. That included WAVY News 10 Chief Meteorologist Don Slater, who has been with 10 On Your Side since the early 1980s. [3], By four days before Isabel made landfall, most weather models predicted Isabel to make landfall between North Carolina and New Jersey. 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, 22 indirect How many hurricanes have hit Norfolk VA? Throughout Maryland and Washington, damage totaled about $945million (2003USD), with only one direct fatality due to flooding. The u-oh moment is the fact that three and a halfdays out from landfall, Isabel was a category 5, Sammler said. In Mathews County, two boat owners experienced fatal heart attacks as they worked to protect their boats. In 2003, we bought a condo on Ocean View Avenue, in Cottage Line, and we were grateful there was a dune. Hurricane Isabel was undoubtedly the strongest hurricane-both in terms of central pressure and wind speed-in the Atlantic open waters until two other hurricanes, Irma and Dorian, surpassed it in 2017 and 2019. Strong winds from the hurricane affected 99counties and cities in the state,[1][2] which downed thousands of trees and left about 1.8million without power. , Amazon pauses construction on 2nd headquarters in, Murdaughs fall from grace ends in life sentence, Abortion clinics crossing state borders not always, Man arrested, accused in fatal shooting on Lasalle, New technology to improve cancer treatment at HU, Congress works to tackle military spouse unemployment, Juvenile dies, another injured after crash in NN, Back-to-back hurricanes more likely to happen: Study, Al-Qaida chiefs pattern of life was key to death, Bike tours raising awareness for bone marrow registry, 180 days in jail possible for ski pass fraud, Pilot, passenger walk away from plane crash on E-470, Watch: 4 mountain lions prowl Colorado neighborhood, Hospital bills $847 facility fee for Zoom call, Good Samaritan helps rescue kids from icy pond, Whats next in unprecedented case of truck driver. Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Maryland and Washington, D.C. This weekend in 2003 Hurricane Isabel hit Hampton Roads. Hurricane Tracker. 16deaths in seven U.S. states were directly related to the hurricane, with 35deaths in six states and one Canadian province indirectly related to the hurricane. [1] An area of low pressure associated with the wave moved slowly westward, and its convection initially appeared to become better organized. Heavy rains and high winds knocked out power to 320,000 Virginia Power customers. 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. 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 In Stafford County, the surge The storm destroyed one home and damaged 20, severely damaged three businesses, and caused some crop damage in Pittsylvania County. They were howling all day long into the night, Slater said. 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. Roughly six million people were left without electric service in the eastern United States from the strong winds of Isabel. According to a telephone survey conducted by the United States Department of Commerce, the highest participation rate was for residents in the Northern Neck in areas potentially affected by the storm surge from a Category2 hurricane, of which 41% in the survey stated they left their houses for a safer location. After fluctuating in intensity for four days, Isabel gradually weakened and made landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with winds of 165km/h (103mph) on September 18. [11] A total of about 16,325people evacuated to 67 shelters. In Campbell County, two homes were destroyed and ten others suffered minor damage. (WHSV) This time, it wasn't just the heavy rain, but winds ranging from thirty to fifty miles an hour also blew across the region. 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. [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. In this NOAA National Hurricane Center handout, Hurricane Isabel is seen closing in on the North Carolina Coast September 17, 2003. As a ridge to its northwest built southeastward, it resulted in Isabel decelerating as it turned to the north-northwest. The tornado lasted a short amount of time and caused no known damage. [4] The system gradually became better organized, and Dvorak classifications began early on September 5. Hurricane Isabel was the ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. . Hurricane Isabel . The Outer Banks including Ocracoke, Hatteras, and points north were hit with hurricane-force winds. By . 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. [9] In Chincoteague, the famous Chincoteague Ponies were moved by volunteer firefighters to grounds of about 20 feet (6.1m) higher. The storm tracked northwest through North Carolina, Virginia, West . [15] The passage of the hurricane resulted in an agricultural damage total of about $117million (2003USD, $137million 2008USD). Aug 27, 1998. [3] The hurricane destroyed more than 1,186 homes and 77 businesses, severely damaged 9,110 homes and 333 businesses, and left 107,908 homes and over 1,000 businesses with minor damage. Further inland, heavy rainfall was reported, peaking at 20.2inches (513mm) in Sherando, Virginia,[42] causing damage and severe flash flooding. [1], About 1.24million people lost power throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. In September, 2003, there were two powerful hurricanes that formed during the month. Strong swells also lashed the Bahamas. The office also issued two county-wide flood warnings and 43 flood warnings and flood statements for various river basins. [7] The eye, overall convective pattern, and outflow steadily improved in organization,[8] and deep convection quickly surrounded the 40-mile (60km)-wide eye. Isabel grew to a massive size just before she hit land, with hurricane-force winds radiating as far as 185 km (115 . Hurricane Isabel in 2003 made landfall as a Category 2 near Cape Lookout in North Carolina, before entering Virginia as a Category 1 . Many residents believed a portion of the eye passed over the city. Hurricane Dennis. Michael hit Virginia as a tropical storm, causing more than 500,000 people to lose power and at least five fatalities. Rainfall was fairly light, with 2 inches (51mm) recorded in Heathsville. [13], Throughout the state, Hurricane Isabel resulted in a damage total of $1.85billion (2003USD, $2.17billion 2008USD). [59][60][61][62][63][64] Falling trees from moderate winds downed power lines across the region, causing sporadic power outages. In all, about 350 were evacuated in Augusta County, 21 of whom by boat. Sept. 18, 2003 in Richmond, VA Sept. 18, 2003, as Hurricane Isabel neared the area. However, it spawned an urban legend that the Third Infantry sent orders to seek shelter, orders that were deliberately disobeyed. Over 166,000 residents applied for individual assistance, with about $117million (2003USD) approved for residents to assist with temporary housing and home repairs. In the state's mountainous region, heavy rainfall caused severe and damaging flash flooding. Additionally, officials canceled trains along the Washington Metro, the Virginia Railway Express, and Amtrak lines, and several flights in and out of the Richmond International Airport. Hundreds of roads, including major highways, were blocked by fallen trees. [1], Cloud tops around the center warmed again early on September 15, and Isabel weakened to a Category 4 hurricane. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Hurricane Florence hada lot of longtime Hampton Roads residents thinking about a storm that devastated our area 15 years ago this month: Hurricane Isabel. In Eastern Maryland, hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed by the storm surge and related tidal flooding. [30][31], The governors of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergency. The zones ordered to evacuate included residents along waterfronts, in areas prone to flooding, potentially affected by storm surge from a Category 2 hurricane, low-lying areas, health care facilities, or islands. Hatteras Island took a lashing during the opening hours of Isabel. In south-central Virginia, strong winds produced widespread wind damage, with numerous trees and power lines reported down. [1], The winds from Isabel downed hundreds of trees and power lines across New Jersey, leaving hundreds of thousands without power; a falling tree killed one person. [52] Numerous low-lying areas were flooded due to high surf, strong storm surge, or run-off from flooding further inland. . 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. The hurricane caused about $1.85billion (2003USD, $2.17billion 2008USD) in damage and 36deaths in the state10directly from the storm's effects and 22indirectly related. The effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia proved to be the costliest disaster in the history of Virginia. [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. Part two of Hurricane Isabel: 15 Years Later, airs Wednesdaynight on WAVY News 10 at 6.). [18] The hurricane produced a strong storm surge across northern Virginia, reaching 9.5 feet (2.9m) in Alexandria. [6] Additionally, inland hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued for south-central Virginia. Severe Weather AccuWeather Ready Winter Center. Currently: Tropical Cyclone - Category 3, approximately 420 mi from suva, fiji. In 2003, winds from Hurricane Isabel wrecked utility systems throughout the Coastal Plain of Virginia . Investigation prompts missing persons policy change, Effects linger from wrongful accusation in Norfolk, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. [22] Isabel was the first major hurricane to threaten the Mid-Atlantic States and the Upper South since Hurricane Floyd in September 1999. Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) Satellite picture shows Hurricane Isabel entering Virginia as Category 1 storm. [16] In Isle of Wight County, a driver attempted to cross high water on the James River Bridge and was killed when the water washed the car off of the road.[7]. [29], Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. In Albemarle County, a popular forest boardwalk that was part of the Monticello property was destroyed by a falling oak tree. [69] The strong pressure gradient between Isabel and a high pressure system over eastern Canada produced strong easterly winds across lakes Ontario and Erie. Washington, D.C. sustained moderate damage, primarily from the winds. Updated: Sep 3, 2021 / 01:06 AM EDT. Hurricane Bonnie. swamped the city of Franklin and tropical storm Gaston did to Richmond's Shockoe Valley in 2004. 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. Isabel started as a wave on September 1st, strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane by September 11th, and made landfall along the coast of North Carolina by September 18. Man tries to get to the boardwalk as Hurricane Isabel makes landfall September 18, 2003 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In Amelia County, strong winds removed a mobile home from its foundation and destroyed it. [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. Isabel quickly weakened over land and became extratropical over western Pennsylvania on the next day. In Buckingham County, one home was destroyed, three reported major damage, and one business suffered minor damage, while in Charlotte County, two homes were destroyed, 30homes suffered major damage, and five businesses suffered minor damage. About 50,000business owners applied for Small Business Administration loans, with about $178million (2003USD) approved for the assistance loans. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were gradually issued for portions of the East Coast of the United States. Wiki User. [22] The United States Navy ordered the removal of 40ships and submarines and dozens of aircraft from naval sites near Norfolk, Virginia. [14] Dominion Virginia Power reported 2,311broken utility poles, 3,899snapped crossarms, and 7,363spans of downed power lines, with 72% of its primary distribution circuits damaged. Uniquely in the United States, all Virginia communities incorporated as cities are, "Hurricane Isabel Discussion Thirty-Three", "Hurricane Isabel Tropical Cyclone Report", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Hurricane Isabel Assessment, a Review of Hurricane Evacuation Study Products and Other Aspects of the National Hurricane Mitigation and Preparedness Program (NHMPP) in the Context of the Hurricane Isabel Response", "NavSource Online: Cruiser Photo Archive USS MONTEREY (CG 61)", "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 23, 2003 (12:00 p.m.)", "Preliminary Post-Storm Report on Hurricane Isabel", "Landscape Modifications by Hurricane Isabel on Fisherman Island in Virginia", "One of the most devastating' storms, ever", "President Orders Disaster Aid For Virginia Hurricane Recovery", "43 Jurisdictions Added To Hurricane Isabel Disaster Declaration", "Removing Potentially Hazardous Debris From Hurricane Isabel", "Commonwealth Receives Nearly $257 Million In Disaster Assistance", Baptist Press -States coordinating Isabel relief; chainsaw volunteers needed - News with a Christian Perspective, "Volunteers To Help With Debris Removal And Clean-Up", "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report- September 24, 2003 (7:00 AM)", "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 21, 2003 (12:00 p.m.)", "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report- September 28, 2003 (8:00 AM)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Effects_of_Hurricane_Isabel_in_Virginia&oldid=1138131364, This page was last edited on 8 February 2023, at 04:58. However, many people in the city of Norfolk reported that there was a tornado in that city as well. [35] The beaches were later closed during the worst of the rough surf. [13] A motorist on Interstate 95 in Richmond died when he hydroplaned and crashed his car. Officials closed schools, government offices, and businesses across the eastern portion of the state, leaving usually heavily congested roads as empty streets. Hurricane Information For Mathews County, VA. [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. A Virginia . Weakening began on the . A few days after Hurricane Isabel hit in 2003, University of Maryland coastal scientist Michael Kearney drove around the Chesapeake Bay to look at the damage. The effects on the Eastern Shore were similar. [65] The rainfall resulted in mudslides and flash flooding, covering several roads and washing away two bridges. Will NN Williamsburg Airport survive long term? The federal government was closed excluding emergency staff members. Funnel clouds were reported along the Northern Neck.