Sept. 18, 2003 — The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Tropical Storm Isabel was located near latitude 37.7 north, longitude 78.0 west or about 35 miles west of Richmond, Va. Isabel is moving toward the north-northwest near 23 mph. A gradual turn to the north with an increase in forward speed is anticipated. On the forecast track, the center of Isabel is expected to move across western Pennsylvania and the eastern Great Lakes during the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Isabel inland taken at 11:45 p.m. EDT on Sept. 18, 2003. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Although Isabel will continue to weaken as it moves over land, strong winds gusts may be experienced well inland along the track over elevated terrain, as well as on high-rise buildings and other structures. (Click NOAA Baltimore/Washington Doppler radar image for larger view of the Tropical Storm Isabel inland taken on Sept. 19, 2003, at 12:57 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest NOAA Doppler radar image. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles to the northeast of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 972 mb, 28.70 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, may still occur along the Atlantic coast within the tropical storm warning area. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels is still possible in the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal portions of adjacent rivers. Storm surge flooding along the Outer Banks will continue to gradually subside. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

Additional rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts, are likely in association with Isabel.

There is a threat of isolated tornadoes over eastern Virginia and southeastern Maryland through early Friday.

At 11 p.m. EDT, the tropical storm warning was discontinued from Currituck Beach Light, N.C., southward. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from north of Currituck Beach Light to Moriches Inlet, N.Y., including the Chesapeake Bay, the Tidal Potomac and Delaware Bay.

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 Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

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