Hurricane Isabel (2003)
| Landfall | Sept. 18, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Where | near Drum Inlet, North Carolina |
| Strength at landfall | Category 2, about 105 mph sustained winds |
Isabel was a large hurricane that struck the Outer Banks and pushed a damaging surge into the Chesapeake Bay.
What happened
- Surge cut a new inlet through Hatteras Island.
- Record flooding hit Norfolk and the Chesapeake shoreline.
Lessons for the next storm
Storm surge and flooding rain, not just wind, cause most of the damage and deaths in storms like Isabel. Know your evacuation zone before the season, and leave when officials tell you to. See our hurricane prep guide and what the categories really mean.
Live trackers for towns in its path
More hurricane history
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Local storm-prep businessesGeneral information, not an official forecast. Always follow the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and your local emergency management.