Sept. 17, 2003 — The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 a.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Isabel was located near latitude 30.0 north, longitude 72.6 west or about 400 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. Isabel is moving toward the north-northwest near 9 mph. Some increase in forward speed is expected over the next 24 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Isabel is expected to make landfall in eastern North Carolina during the day Thursday. However, the precise timing and location of landfall is uncertain, and conditions will deteriorate over a large area well before the center reaches the coast. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coastline late Wednesday night. (Click NOAA over head satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Isabel about to lash U.S. mainland with its powerful winds taken on Sept. 17, 2003, at 9:15 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

(Click NOAA close-up satellite image for larger view of powerful Hurricane Isabel at the doorstep of the USA mainland taken on Sept. 17, 2003, at 9:15 a.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast prior to landfall.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 miles.

The most recent minimum central pressure reported by reconnaissance aircraft was 957 mb, 28.26 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 7 to 11 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, is expected near and to the north of where the center crosses the coast. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels is expected in southern Chesapeake Bay and the tidal portions of adjacent rivers.

Storm total rainfalls of 6 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts, are likely in association with Isabel.

A hurricane warning remains in effect from Cape Fear, N.C., to Chincoteague, Va., including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds, and the Chesapeake Bay south of Smith Point. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within 24 hours.

All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area.

At 11 a.m. EDT, a tropical storm warning has replaced the hurricane watch south of Cape Fear to South Santee River, S.C., and north of Chincoteague to Sandy Hook, N.J., including Delaware Bay. A tropical storm warning has also replaced the hurricane watch for the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point northward and for the Tidal Potomac.

SPECIAL LOCAL STATEMENTS FROM NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICES IN THE AFFECTED AREAS

• Wakefield, Va.
• Wilmington, N.C.
• Newport/Morehead City, N.C.
• Mt. Holly, N.J.
• Baltimore/Washington

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

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Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA River Forecast Centers

NOAA Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

NOAA Buoys

NOAA Tides Online

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA Hurricanes Page

NOAA Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404