Sept. 18, 2003 — The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 5 p.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Isabel was located inland near latitude 36.2 north, longitude 77.1 west or about 40 miles east-southeast of Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Isabel is moving toward the northwest near 24 mph. A turn to the north-northwest is expected during the next 24 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Isabel is expected to move across eastern Virginia toward western Pennsylvania over the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Isabel inland taken at 5:15 p.m. EDT on Sept. 18, 2003. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Although Isabel will continue to weaken as it moves over land, unusually strong winds with gusts to hurricane force may be experienced well inland to the elevated terrain of Northern Virginia and Maryland, as well as on high-rise buildings and other structures. (Click NOAA Wakefield, Va., Doppler radar image for larger view of the Hurricane Isabel inland taken on Sept. 18, 2003, at 5:35 p.m. EDT. Click here to see latest NOAA Doppler radar image. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 100 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 960 mb, 28.35 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, may still occur along the Atlantic coast within the hurricane warning area. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 8 feet above normal tide levels is expected in Chesapeake Bay and the tidal portions of adjacent rivers. Storm surge flooding along the Outer Banks will gradually subside Thursday night. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

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

There is a threat of isolated tornadoes over eastern North Carolina, eastern Virginia and southeastern Maryland through Thursday night.

At 5 p.m. EDT, the hurricane warning is replaced by a tropical storm warning from Surf City to Cape Fear, N.C.

A hurricane warning remains in effect from Surf City, N.C., to Chincoteague, Va., including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds, and the Chesapeake Bay south of Smith Point.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect north of Chincoteague to Moriches Inlet, N.Y., including Delaware Bay. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point northward and for the Tidal Potomac.

At 5 p.m. EDT, all warnings south of Cape Fear were discontinued.

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

NOAA WARNS OF INLAND FLOODING THREAT DANGEROUS FLOODING EXPECTED WITH HURRICANE ISABEL Consider the following: When it comes to hurricanes, wind speeds do not tell the whole story. Hurricanes produce storm surges, tornadoes, and often the most deadly of all—inland flooding. Read more...

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

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NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

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