[14] In Arlington County, flooding and downed trees destroyed twohouses and damaged 192homes, 46severely. Many residents believed a portion of the eye passed over the city. 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. ", "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 25, 2003", "Isabel to bring heavy winds to eastern Ontario", "Final Report of the 2003 Hurricane Season", "Replacement Names for 2003 Atlantic Hurricanes (Fabian, Isabel, and Juan) and 2002 Hurricane Lili", National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report for Hurricane Isabel, National Hurricane Center advisory archive for Hurricane Isabel, Category 5 Hurricane Isabel eye vortices java loop, Hurricane Isabel in Perspective: Proceedings of a Conference, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hurricane_Isabel&oldid=1141545828, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 16:19. About 27,000people lost power, mostly near Toronto. Slater said,Itreally looked like it was going to move somewhere toward the North Carolina coastline or the Virginia coastlineOUR coastline.. . . . This weekend in 2003 Hurricane Isabel hit Hampton Roads. While it did weaken in the coming hours and days, it hit Virginia and western Pennsylvania with similar devastation. [13] A portion of the roof of The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves, was damaged by the winds. [8], United States Navy officials in Norfolk ordered more than 40 destroyers, frigates, and amphibious ships out to sea to avoid any potential damage from the hurricane. However, many people in the city of Norfolk reported that there was a tornado in that city as well. The fasted sustained wind speed at Cape Henry was 134 mph with gusts to 150 mph. September 11, 2003 Moving west-northwest, . [65] The rainfall resulted in mudslides and flash flooding, covering several roads and washing away two bridges. through eastern north carolina and central virginia. 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. Two people died in the region as a result of the hurricane, both due to the rough surf from Isabel. The storm surge flooded a parking lot at the Reagan National Airport. The flooding left the tunnel damaged and closed for nearly a month. Virginia reported the most deaths and damage from the hurricane. The effects on the Eastern Shore were similar. Even two days before landfall,with the storm still hundreds of miles away, the first effects of Isabel were felt. Virginia Hurricane Isabel. [14] Rainfall was light across the region, with amounts varying between 13 inches (2576 millimetres). [15] The passage of the hurricane resulted in an agricultural damage total of about $117million (2003USD, $137million 2008USD). [39], In West Virginia, the power outages were restored within a week. DR-1491-VA. It quickly weakened over land as it passed through central Virginia, and Isabel became extratropical over western Pennsylvania on September 19. [18] The hurricane produced a strong storm surge across northern Virginia, reaching 9.5 feet (2.9m) in Alexandria. 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. Take Virginia Beach. The southern Outer Banks took the first hit from the massive storma category 2 hurricane at the time with 105 mph winds. , 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. a day after Hurricane Isabel hit the area . 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. In this NOAA National Hurricane Center handout, Hurricane Isabel is seen closing in on the North Carolina Coast September 17, 2003. [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. Storms tend to intensify into Category 1-Category 5 hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale as they approach the West Indies. The winds, combined with previous rainfall which moistened the soil, downed many trees and power lines across its path, leaving about 6million electricity customers without power at some point. [13] Prior to the arrival of the hurricane, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel was closed, as were all campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the primary parkway in Roanoke. [8] The Virginia Army National Guard and State Police troopers assisted in the evacuations. 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 . Isabel got very big, very fast. Isabel intensified rapidly on the 8th, going through Categories 2 and 3 of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and reaching Category 4 intensity that day. [14], Along the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Isabel produced sustained winds reaching 50mph (80km/h) with gusts to 62mph (100km/h) at Wallops Island. Virginia, Maryland and Delaware have never been directly struck. Isabel caused 44 deaths and more than $1.3 billion in damage in Virginia, Maryland, and the District. In this file photo, people look over the water damage from Hurricane Isabel in flooded . Disaster Recovery Centers, which contain information on the aftermath process, were opened in eight locations and received more than 1,850 inquiries. 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. [26], Wet conditions caused many accidents along roadways in central Virginia. Hurricane Isabel hit the Virginia coast with fury on Sept. 18. Additionally, widespread areas of heavy rainfall of over 5 inches (130mm) led to flooding of rivers. 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. In Virginia Beach, beach erosion and coastal flooding was minimal, credited due to a $125million beach expansion project. Updated: Sep 3, 2021 / 01:06 AM EDT. Based on the development of a closed surface circulation, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen early on September 6. 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. [6] Additionally, inland hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued for south-central Virginia. [18][19] Strong waves, which reached 20 feet (6.1m) in height offshore, caused severe beach erosion in Hampton, Newport News, and other locations along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The southern Outer Banks took the first hit from the massive storma category 2 hurricane at the time with 105 mph winds. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. [42] Moisture from Isabel dropped light rainfall across eastern Michigan and peaked at 1.55inches (39mm) at Mount Clemens. [69] The strong pressure gradient between Isabel and a high pressure system over eastern Canada produced strong easterly winds across lakes Ontario and Erie. 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. Slater said, People were passing notes to me saying speak to the people on the radio. Twelve days after the storms formation, Hampton Roads and North Carolina would find out the hard way that Isabel would be the costliest and deadliest hurricane of the 2003season. The group used data from two storms that hit the region: Hurricane Dennis in 1999 and Hurricane Isabel in 2003. . This strong hurricane made landfall near Port Fourchon, La. Hatteras Island took a lashing during the opening hours of Isabel. 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? [77] Dredging operations began on October 17, about a month after the hurricane struck. In North Carolina, the storm surge from Isabel washed out a portion of Hatteras Island to form what was unofficially known as Isabel Inlet. Even Plymouth more than 50 miles inland reported gusts as high as 95 mph. [44], Satellite picture shows Hurricane Isabel entering, Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area and Delmarva Peninsula, Although the reference stated that 99 counties in Virginia were affected, the state has only 95 counties. 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. [16], In Virginia Beach, the 15thStreet fishing pier was significantly damaged due to intense wave action. [45][46][47][48], The effects of the hurricane in Delaware were compounded by flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri days before. [14] Four homes and 20businesses in King George County were severely damaged, with an additional 150200 reporting lesser damage from winds and falling trees. Isabel formeddeep in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Africa on Sept.6, 2003. In mid-September 2003, Isabel strengthened to a rare Category 5 hurricane with winds that reached 165 mph. Isabel's greatest effect was due to flood damage, the worst in some areas of Virginia since 1972's Hurricane Agnes. 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 surges in several tidal rivers caught some residents by surprise, both in height and severity. and left long-lasting impacts as it traveled toward the Northeast including bringing severe weather and heavy . Hurricane Isabels forecast stayed pretty much on target through its entire run (again, much like the European forecast model was with Florence). [27] Also in Albemarle, two people were killed when their car drove off a road and crashed into a tree during heavy rainfall. After making landfall and weakening, Isabel cut a path through North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, By the next day, we had an idea of Mother Natures force, through the eye of Isabel. Isabel in Virginia. [66] Although sustained winds were weak in the state, wind gusts reached 46mph (74km/h) at Martinsburg. [13] A motorist on Interstate 95 in Richmond died when he hydroplaned and crashed his car. [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. [13] Strong winds were reported throughout the region, and wind gusts reached 73mph (117km/h) at Richmond International Airport. The effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia proved to be the costliest disaster in the history of Virginia. 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. Hurricane Isabel emerged from a tropical wave moving off the African coast on September 1, 2003 but did not gain hurricane status until 7 September. [9] The strong storm surge surpassed the floodgate to the Midtown Tunnel while workers attempted to close the gate. [8], Despite the orders, a relatively small number of people evacuated for the hurricane. [22] The United States Navy ordered the removal of 40ships and submarines and dozens of aircraft from naval sites near Norfolk, Virginia. 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. Officials distributed sandbags throughout the state for residents in flood-prone areas, including about 10,000 in the city of Alexandria. On the same day, the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke was reopened. 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. Weakening began on the . Elevenhours later, a mandatory evacuation was issued for some residents in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, with a recommended evacuation for some residents in the city of Suffolk and Isle of Wight, Northumberland, Richmond, and York counties. Over 166,000 residents applied for individual assistance, with about $117million (2003USD) approved for residents to assist with temporary housing and home repairs. Southern New Jersey has only . [1] Hurricane Isabel also displayed a "pinwheel" eye, a rare feature that is found in some annular tropical cyclones. (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. July 12-13, 1996. [37], Isabel produced moderate to heavy damage across eastern North Carolina, totaling $450million (2003USD). 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. Virginia: Hurricane Isabel, 2003 Hurricane Isabel made landfall on 18 September at Virginia Beach and went on to become the most destructive storm in Virginia's history. Hatteras Island took a lashing during the opening hours of Isabel. It was comparable to the Chespeake-Potomac Hurricane of August 1933 for Virginia and Maryland. [28] 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. [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. . On the 15 th, it passed over Raleigh, Richmond, and West Virginia (track to the . Up and down the coast, particularly along the North Carolinas Outer Banks, police went door-to-door, making sure people were either outof their homes or ready to ride Isabel out. As a ridge to its northwest built southeastward, it resulted in Isabel decelerating as it turned to the north-northwest. Throughout the path of Isabel, damage totalled about $5.5billion (2003USD). Has any hurricane hit Virginia? 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. Throughout its path, Isabel resulted in $5.5billion in damage (2003USD) and 51deaths, of which 16 were directly related to the storm's effects. 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. [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. [1][53][54], The passage of Hurricane Isabel in Pennsylvania resulted in $160million in damage (2003USD) and 2indirect deaths in Pennsylvania. Heavy rains fell along the 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. Isabel hit land as a Category 2 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale. Isabel was coming for the United States, and it had many forecasters worried. Slaters first impression, in his words, was:Overcoming a sense of panic, because it really, really did look like it was gonna get us., Bill Sammler, a now-retired warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Wakefield, said, The good news about Isabels track is several days in advance, there were indications that there was going to be an east coast impact.. [22], 19 major airports along the East Coast of the United States were closed, with more than 1,500flights canceled. Much of the state was affected by . 13 homes were destroyed, with three businesses and 64 other residencies reporting major damagesome reported over 1 foot (0.30m) of mud in their homes. . [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. [18] Increasing vertical wind shear contributed in weakening the hurricane further, and Isabel weakened to a Category2 hurricane on September 16, while located 645miles (1035km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. [1] An area of low pressure associated with the wave moved slowly westward, and its convection initially appeared to become better organized. [79] Power workers throughout Canada assisted the severely affected power companies from Maryland to North Carolina. [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). Tornadoes hit Dinwiddie County southeast of Petersburg, Ford's 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 . [7] Four spillways to dams flooded, causing damage, though none of them failed. When Hurricane Isabel hit my Virginia neighborhood in 2003, the storm was barely a Category 1. Hurricane Dennis. on the 10th and became a category 5 hurricane from the 11th through the 15th. [29], Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. 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. [41] By two days after the storm, about 900,000 remained 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. [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. Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane, causing a storm surge of approximately 17 feet (5 meters). [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. 153 people were killed in Virginia alone. [8] Two people in the region died due to falling treesone in New Kent County and one in the city of Hopewell. [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. Top 5 worst hurricanes to hit Virginia A look back at our most impactful hurricanes. Most participants in the survey stated they did not hear any sort of evacuation notice from public officials in their location, however. It was replaced by Ida for the naming list for the 2009 season. 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. Hundreds of roads, including major highways, were blocked by fallen trees. 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. In September, 2003, there were two powerful hurricanes that formed during the month. Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) Satellite picture shows Hurricane Isabel entering Virginia as Category 1 storm. Additionally, most gas stations were closed, due to power outages leaving the pumps unusable. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph . 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. Has a Category 5 hurricane ever hit Virginia? Coastal geologists were opposed to the solution, stating the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes. [9] In Chincoteague, the famous Chincoteague Ponies were moved by volunteer firefighters to grounds of about 20 feet (6.1m) higher. In response to the power outages, FEMA installed 28 generators at disaster-affected critical public facilities to support life-sustaining community needs. Hurricane Isabel made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island in North Carolina with winds of 105 mph. Monetary assistance for temporary rental assistance and minimal home repairs totaled $32million (2003USD; $37million 2008USD), as well. [1] During this time, Isabel attained annular characteristics, becoming highly symmetrical in shape and sporting a wide eye. 2011-02-24 01:07:36. [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. 104 mph winds at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were gradually issued for portions of the East Coast of the United States. [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. Damage in the county totaled $2.5million (2003USD, $2.9million 2008USD). [38] The storm surge produced a 2,000foot (600m) wide inlet on Hatteras Island, unofficially known as Isabel Inlet, isolating Hatteras by road for two months. Rainfall was fairly light, with 2 inches (51mm) recorded in Heathsville. [25] Isabel also produced rough surf in Lake Ontario, with waves reaching 4m (13ft) along the western portion. Study now. 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. [6] Additionally, Chesapeake Light, located 12 miles (19km) east of Virginia Beach, reported a peak wind gust of 107mph (172km/h). Rough waves and a moderate storm surge along the coastline caused moderate to severe beach erosion, and one person was killed from the rough waves. At Hamilton, the waves surpassed seawalls and produced spray onto coastal streets. Every hurricane to hit within 150 miles of D.C. Hurricane Isabel formed from a tropical wave on September 6, 2003 in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Michael made landfall on Wednesday in the Florida Panhandle as a Category . [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. Hurricane Hugo came ashore as a Category 4 storm in South Carolina in September 1989, devastating Charleston . 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. By . [1] Hurricane Isabel formed from a tropical wave on September 6, 2003, in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the damage that we experienced resulted from falling trees. [21] By about four months after the passage of the hurricane, disaster aid totaled about $516million (2003USD), primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. [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. [36] By about four months after the hurricane, 93,139 individuals in the designated areas applied for disaster assistance, while 20,417people visited Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the state. [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. Unofficially higher amounts included an estimate of 10.75 feet (3.28m) at Smithfield. The system continued turned northward, and crossed Lake Erie into Canada. [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. Damage in the state totaled $50million (2003USD). [14] A total of 1.8million electrical customers were left without power,[7] with electrical damage totaling $128million (2003USD, $150million 2008USD). Hurricane Isabel was the ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. Wiki User. [7] It also affected other areas such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia . [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. JUDY. 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. Gusty winds forced the closure of the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge. 18hours before the hurricane made landfall, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the watch to a hurricane warning for the entire coastline. 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. Officials in Hampton issued the first mandatory evacuation in the state on September 17, about 35hours prior to landfall. 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. [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. [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. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Hurricane Isabel struck Virginia as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. [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. On September 20, the extratropical remnants of Isabel were absorbed into another system over Eastern Canada. . Likewise the historic Harrison's Pier in the Ocean View area of Norfolk was completely destroyed. Hurricane Fran was a Category 3 . 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. [18] Falling trees killed two in the areaone in Chesterfield County and one in the city of Richmond. When it made landfall just south of Cape Hatteras along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Isabel's winds neared 100 miles .