Hurricane Isabel#Elsewhere

{{Other hurricanes|List of storms named Isabel|the 2003 Atlantic hurricane}}

{{Infobox weather event

| image = Isabel 2003-09-11 1720Z.jpg

| caption = Isabel at peak intensity, northeast of the Leeward Islands, on September 11

| alt = Satellite image of Hurricane Isabel at peak intensity, while maintaining a clear eye.

| formed = September 6, 2003

| extratropical = September 19, 2003

| dissipated = September 20, 2003

}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS

| winds = 145

| pressure = 915

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| year = 2003

| fatalities = 51 (16 direct, 35 indirect)

| damage = 3600000000

| areas = Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Lucayan Archipelago, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada

| refs =

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

| season = 2003 Atlantic hurricane season

| related = {{Hurricane Isabel related}}

}}

Hurricane Isabel was a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that struck the east coast of the United States in September 2003. The ninth named storm, fifth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the season, Isabel formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on September 6 from a tropical wave. It moved northwestward through an area with light wind shear and warm waters, resulting in strengthening. Isabel reached peak winds of {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on September 11. After fluctuating in intensity for four days, Isabel gradually weakened and made landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with winds of {{convert|105|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on September 18, or a Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Isabel quickly weakened over land and became extratropical over western Pennsylvania on the next day. On September 20, the extratropical remnants of Isabel were absorbed into another system over Eastern Canada.

In North Carolina, the storm surge from Isabel washed out a portion of Hatteras Island to form what was unofficially known as Isabel Inlet. Damage was greatest along the Outer Banks, where thousands of homes were damaged or even destroyed. 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. Virginia reported the most deaths and damage from the hurricane. About 64% of the damage and 69% of the deaths occurred in North Carolina and Virginia. Electric service was disrupted in areas of Virginia for several days, some more rural areas were without electricity for weeks, and local flooding caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Moderate to severe damage extended up the Atlantic coastline and as far inland as West Virginia. Roughly six million people were left without electric service in the eastern United States from the strong winds of Isabel. Rainfall from the storm extended from South Carolina to Maine, and westward to Michigan. Throughout the path of Isabel, damage totaled about $3.6 billion (2003 USD). 16 deaths in seven U.S. states were directly related to the hurricane, with 35 deaths in six states and one Canadian province indirectly related to the hurricane.

Meteorological history

{{storm path|Isabel 2003 path.png|alt=Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale|colors=new}}

A tropical wave moved off the western coast of Africa on September 1, and continued westward. {{cite web|author1=Jack Beven |author2=Hugh Cobb |year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=May 22, 2015|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL132003_Isabel}}}} The system gradually became better organized, and Dvorak classifications began early on September 5. Based on the development of a closed surface circulation, it is estimated the system developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen early on September 6. Hours later, it intensified into Tropical Storm Isabel, the ninth of the season, though operationally the National Hurricane Center did not begin issuing advisories until 13 hours after it first developed.{{cite web|author=Lixion Avila|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Isabel Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 27, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.001.shtml?}} Located within an area of light wind shear and warm waters, Isabel gradually organized as curved bands developed around a circular area of deep convection near the center.{{cite web|author=Lixion Avila|year=2003|title=Tropical Storm Isabel Discussion Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 27, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.002.shtml?}} It steadily strengthened as it moved to the west-northwest, developing a large ragged eye located near the deepest convection. On September 7, Isabel strengthened into a hurricane, the fifth hurricane of the season.{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Six|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 27, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.006.shtml?}}{{cite report|title=Monthly Tropical Weather Summary|publisher=National Hurricane Center|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/tws/MIATWSAT_nov.shtml?|date=December 18, 2003}}

The eye, overall convective pattern, and outflow steadily improved in organization,{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Seven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.007.shtml?}} and deep convection quickly surrounded the {{convert|40|mi|km|-1|adj=on}}-wide eye.{{cite web|author=Brian Jarvinen|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.008.shtml?}} Isabel intensified on September 8 to reach major hurricane status, or Category 3 status, while located {{convert|1,300|mi|km}} east-northeast of Barbuda; this made it the second major hurricane of the season. On September 9, Isabel reached an initial peak intensity of {{convert|130|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} for around 24 hours, a minimal Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Early on September 10, the eyewall became less defined, the convection near the eye became eroded, and northeasterly outflow became slightly restricted.{{cite web|author=James Franklin|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Sixteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.016.shtml?}} As a result, Isabel weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane turned more to the west due to the influence of the Bermuda-Azores High.

File:Isabel 2003-09-14 1755Z.jpg characteristics on September 14, as a powerful Category 5 hurricane]]

Late on September 10, Isabel restrengthened to a Category 4 hurricane after convection deepened near the increasingly organizing eyewall.{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Nineteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.019.shtml?}} The hurricane continued to intensify, and Isabel reached its peak intensity of {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure of 915 mbar (hPa; 27.02 inHg) on September 11, a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. Due to an eyewall replacement cycle, Isabel weakened slightly, though it retained Category 5 status for 24 hours.{{cite web|author=Jack Beven|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Twenty-Six|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.026.shtml?}} As Isabel underwent another eyewall replacement cycle, outflow degraded in appearance and convection around the eye weakened.{{cite web|author=James Franklin|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Twenty-Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.028.shtml?}} Early on September 13, Isabel weakened to a strong Category 4 hurricane. After completing the replacement cycle, the hurricane's large {{convert|40|mi|km}} wide eye became better defined,{{cite web|author=Stacy Stewart|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Thirty|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.030.shtml?}} and late on September 13, Isabel re-attained Category 5 status. The hurricane restrengthened despite moving over cooler waters from earlier Hurricane Fabian moving through the same area, partly because of a supply of moist air from its eye.{{cite journal|title=Observed Structure, Evolution, and Potential Intensity of Category 5 Hurricane Isabel (2003) from 12 to 14 September|journal=Monthly Weather Review|volume=136|issue=6|url=https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/136/6/2007mwr1858.1.xml?tab_body=pdf|author=Michael M. Bell|author2=Michael T. Montgomery|date=June 2008|page=2023 |doi=10.1175/2007MWR1858.1 |bibcode=2008MWRv..136.2023B |access-date=March 19, 2025|url-access=subscription}} During this time, Isabel attained annular characteristics, becoming highly symmetrical in shape and sporting a wide eye. Hurricane Isabel also displayed a "pinwheel" eye, a rare feature that is found in some annular tropical cyclones.{{cite book|url=https://met.nps.edu/~mtmontgo/papers/Chapter_21.pdf|title=Advances in Tropical Cyclone Research: Chapter 21: Introduction to Hurricane Dynamics: Tropical Cyclone Intensification|first=Michael T.|last=Montgomery|publisher=Naval Postgraduate School|date=2014|access-date=May 18, 2019}} A NOAA Hurricane Hunter Reconnaissance Aircraft flying into the hurricane launched a dropsonde which measured an instantaneous wind speed of {{convert|233|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, the strongest instantaneous wind speed recorded in an Atlantic hurricane.{{cite journal|author1=Richard J. David |author2=Charles H. Paxton |year=2005|title=How the Swells of Hurricane Isabel Impacted Southeast Florida|journal=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society|pages=1065–1068|doi=10.1175/BAMS-86-8-1065|volume=86|issue=8|bibcode = 2005BAMS...86.1065D |doi-access=free}} Cloud tops warmed again shortly thereafter,{{cite web|author=Miles Lawrence|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Thirty-Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.032.shtml}} and Isabel weakened to a strong Category 4 hurricane early on September 14. Later that day, it re-organized, and for the third time, Isabel attained Category 5 status while located {{convert|400|mi|km}} north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. By that time, the track had shifted more to the west-northwest.

File:Hurricane Isabel from ISS.jpg|alt=Zoomed-out photo of Hurricane Isabel from the International Space Station]]

Cloud tops around the center warmed again early on September 15, and Isabel weakened to a Category 4 hurricane. Later that day, the inner core of deep convection began to deteriorate, while the eye decayed in appearance. As a ridge to its northwest built southeastward, it resulted in Isabel decelerating as it turned to the north-northwest.{{cite web|author=James Franklin|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Thirty-Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.038.shtml?}} Increasing vertical wind shear contributed in weakening the hurricane further, and Isabel weakened to a Category 2 hurricane on September 16, while located {{convert|645|mi|km}} southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Convection remained minimal, though outflow retained excellent organization,{{cite web|author=Lixion Avila|author2=Richard Pasch|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Discussion Forty-Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=October 28, 2006|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/dis/al132003.discus.048.shtml?}} and Isabel remained a Category 2 hurricane for two days, until it made landfall between Cape Lookout and Ocracoke Island on September 18, with winds of {{convert|105|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Isabel was a large hurricane at landfall, with a windfield of {{convert|460|mi|km|abbr=off}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/pub/al132003.public_a.050.shtml|title=Hurricane ISABEL|website=www.nhc.noaa.gov|access-date=August 28, 2019}} 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. After passing through West Virginia as a tropical storm, Isabel became extratropical over Western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. The system continued turned northward, and crossed Lake Erie into Canada. Early on September 20, the extratropical remnant of Isabel was absorbed by a larger extratropical storm, over the Cochrane District of Ontario.

Preparations

File:Isabel 2003-09-18 1555Z.jpg on September 18|alt=Satellite image of Hurricane Isabel in North Carolina on September 18, as a Category 2 hurricane]]

Two days before Isabel made landfall, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch from Little River, South Carolina to Chincoteague, Virginia, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds and the lower Chesapeake Bay. 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. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings were gradually issued for portions of the East Coast of the United States. 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. Landfall forecasts were very accurate; from three days prior, the average track forecast error for its landfall was only {{convert|36|mi|km}}, and for 48 hours in advance the average track error was {{convert|18|mi|km}}.

The hurricane's threat prompted various governors to declare states of emergency, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.{{cite news|date=September 19, 2003|title=Isabel knocks out power to more than 1 million|publisher=CNN.com|accessdate=June 7, 2025|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2003/WEATHER/09/18/hurricane.isabel/index.html}} Officials declared mandatory evacuations for 24 counties in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Roughly half of the Outer Banks left.{{cite web|author=((Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan)) |year=2005|title=Hurricane Isabel Assessment, a Review of Hurricane Evacuation Study Products and Other Aspects of the National Hurricane Mitigation and Preparedness Program (NHMPP) in the Context of the Hurricane Isabel Response|website=NOAA|access-date=November 27, 2006|url=http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/Isabel_PostStorm_Summary.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205051127/http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hes/docs/postStorm/Isabel_PostStorm_Summary.pdf|archive-date=February 5, 2012}} Hundreds of thousands of people, while more than 12,000 people stayed in emergency shelters.{{cite news|publisher=Scotsman.com|title=America feels the wrath of Isabel|access-date=February 11, 2007|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/international/america_feels_the_wrath_of_isabel_1_664707|location=Edinburgh|work=The Scotsman|date=September 19, 2003}}

19 major airports along the East Coast of the United States were closed, with more than 1,500 flights canceled. The Washington Metro and Metrobus system closed prior to the arrival of the storm, and Amtrak canceled nearly all trains south of the nation's capital. Schools and businesses throughout its path closed prior to Isabel's arrival to allow time to prepare; hardware and home improvement stores reported brisk business of plywood, flashlights, batteries, and portable generators, as residents prepared for the storm's potential impact. The federal government was closed excluding emergency staff members. The United States Navy ordered the removal of 40 ships and submarines and dozens of aircraft from naval sites near Norfolk, Virginia.{{cite news|website=CNN.com|title=Storm could cause 'extensive damage'|access-date=February 11, 2007|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WEATHER/09/15/hurricane.isabel/index.html | date=September 15, 2003}}

A contingency plan was established at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery that, should the winds exceed {{convert|120|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, 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. However, it spawned an urban legend that the Third Infantry sent orders to seek shelter, orders that were deliberately disobeyed.{{cite web|url=http://www.snopes.com/military/isabel.asp|title=The Unknown Soldiers|date=September 24, 2003}}

Delaware governor Ruth Ann Minner activated the state National Guard. Across Delaware, 787 people evacuated to one of seven emergency shelters.{{cite press release|title=Evacuees to Red Cross Shelters Continue To Increase Across Delaware |publisher=Delaware Emergency Management Agency |date=2003-09-18 |url=http://dema.delaware.gov/press_release/Isabel_2.pdf |access-date=2008-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201135722/http://dema.delaware.gov/press_release/Isabel_2.pdf |archive-date=2008-12-01 }} The Cape May-Lewes Ferry closed for several days in anticipation of the storm.

News stations were stationed with crews along the Jersey shore several days in advance of Isabel to provide breaking news and live conditions.{{cite web|author=Tom Layson|year=2003|title=TV News Anchors Prepare for Hurricane Isabel|publisher=Poynter Online|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=http://www.poynter.org/dg.lts/id.48347/content.content_view.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927002442/http://www.poynter.org/dg.lts/id.48347/content.content_view.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2007}} Many residents prepared their houses by boarding windows and purchasing emergency supplies. The Sussex County chapter of the American Red Cross advised local high schools to be on stand-by as potential shelters in the event evacuation occurred.{{cite web|author=Pat Mindos|year=2003|title=Eyes on the storm; Hurricane could hit New Jersey by Thursday|publisher=Herald Staff Writer|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=http://www.greatdreams.com/isabel-2003.htm}} Emergency coordinators in several counties were on alert, though none issued evacuations.{{cite web|publisher=American Radio Relay League|year=2003|title=Amateur Radio Operators Ready for Hurricane Isabel|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/09/17/101/?nc=1|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203429/http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/09/17/101/?nc=1 |archive-date = September 30, 2007}} In preparation for anticipated power outages, the Jersey Central Power and Light company arranged to receive more electrical crews from its parent company, FirstEnergy. Other utility workers from various locations as far as Canada left for the state in the event of power outages.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=State-by-State Look at Isabel's Effects|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/state-by-state-look-at-isabels-effects | work=Fox News | date=September 18, 2003}} Several flights in and out of the state were delayed or canceled,{{cite web|publisher=CNN|date=September 18, 2003|title=Isabel snarls air traffic in the East|access-date=March 19, 2025|url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/09/18/isabel.travel/}} and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry canceled travel across the Delaware Bay during the duration of Isabel. In Atlantic City, casino workers prepared for coastal flooding by placing sandbags at boardwalk entrances. New Jersey Transit workers secured its buses, railways, and light rail equipment. To ensure service would remain accessible during and after the hurricane, NJ Transit prepared backup generators, pumps, and chainsaws, with workers inspecting trains and the paths of the lines.{{cite web|publisher=New Jersey Transit News|year=2003|title=NJ Transit Preparing for Hurricane Isabel|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=http://www.njtransit.com/nn_press_release.jsp?PRESS_RELEASE_ID=682|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930201710/http://www.njtransit.com/nn_press_release.jsp?PRESS_RELEASE_ID=682 |archive-date = September 30, 2007}} FEMA mobilized and dispatched an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force of 28 people to the state for possible rescue duty.{{cite web|publisher=Office of the Department of Homeland Security|year=2003|title=Homeland Security Prepares Federal Response Assets in Preparation for Hurricane Isabel's Landfall|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=https://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0247.shtm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021154429/http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0247.shtm|archive-date=October 21, 2009}} Days before the storm made landfall, the Salvation Army prepared food and aid for potentially affected citizens.{{cite web|author=Tricia Pellegrini|year=2003|title= The Salvation Army NJ Division Prepares for Hurricane Isabel|publisher=The Salvation Army New Jersey Division|access-date=December 11, 2009|url=http://www.newjerseysalvationarmy.org/article.cfm?aid=70|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930162329/http://www.newjerseysalvationarmy.org/article.cfm?aid=70 |archive-date = September 30, 2007}}

The threat of the hurricane canceled some flights in and out Pennsylvania. To compensate, Delta Air Lines allowed those flying to or from Philadelphia, Allentown, and Harrisburg to reschedule to a later date. American Airlines offered a similar option. United Airlines and United Express opted to waive charging fees for travelers in and out of the state.{{cite news|author1=Patty Davis |author2=Beth Lewandowski |title=Airlines allow passengers to rebook|publisher=CNN|access-date=January 27, 2007|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/09/17/airlines.hurricane/index.html | date=September 17, 2003}} The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency activated a support team to assist Urban Search and Rescue operations as part of the threat from the storm. The state's National Guard placed 2,990 guardsmen on Emergency Condition 5 status to be deployed anywhere in the state for emergency support, with other guardsmen readying equipment such as generators, heavy trucks, water trailers, and engineer equipment for deployment. State police officers were readied for deployment, while the state health department contacted hospitals to ensure generators were in working condition. The state Environmental Protection Agency prepared for the storm by monitoring the status of all dams, water treatment facilities, and nuclear plants. In addition, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission stationed extra workers to patrol the highways in poor drainage areas, with extra equipment prepared for quick response for potential road blockage.{{cite web|publisher=Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Governor Rendell Directs State Officials to Prepare for Hurricane Isabel |access-date=January 28, 2007 |url=http://www.pema.state.pa.us/pema/cwp/view.asp?a=7&q=255062 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929031651/http://www.pema.state.pa.us/pema/cwp/view.asp?A=7&Q=255062 |archive-date=September 29, 2006 }} Prior to the arrival of the storm, officials from PECO Energy prepared its largest workforce in its history with 1,500 workers, including employees from Commonwealth Edison in Illinois and Detroit Edison.{{cite web|publisher=Transmission and Distribution World|year=2003|title=Eastern U.S. Utilities Prepare for Hurricane Isabel|access-date=January 29, 2007|url=http://tdworld.com/news/power_eastern_us_utilities/}}

In New York, Governor George Pataki urged residents to purchase emergency supplies and to fill cars with gasoline. The State Emergency Management Office began preparing for the hurricane about a week before it moved ashore. The office also issued a Level 1 emergency activation, with a planning unit readying contingency plans and in coordinating the efforts of other state offices. The state's National Guard began preliminary preparations for possible support efforts by reviewing the list of personnel able to be mobilized in the event of an emergency. Army and Air National Guard officials identified needed equipment in the event of an emergency, such as helicopters, generators, high-axle vehicles, and communications equipment. State police officers established contingency plans for personnel and equipment to assist as needed. The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ensured needed equipment were operational, and also secured buildings with sandbags to prevent flooding.{{cite web |year=2003 |title=Governor Pataki Announces State Gearing Up for Isabel |publisher=New York State Department of Transportation |access-date=January 31, 2007 |url=https://www.nysdot.gov/portal/page/portal/news/press-releases/2003/2003209 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On September 18, the Canadian Hurricane Centre issued heavy rainfall and wind warnings for portions of southern Ontario. A gale warning was also issued for Lake Ontario, eastern Lake Erie, the Saint Lawrence River and Georgian Bay.{{cite web|author=Forgarty|author2=Szeto|author3=LaFortune |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Information Statement on September 18, 2003 |website=Canadian Hurricane Centre |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030918180900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120065820/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030918180900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }}{{cite web|author=Parkes |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Information Statement on September 19, 2003 |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Center |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030919060900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120065817/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030919060900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }}{{cite web|author=Parkes and McIldoon |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Information Statement on September 19, 2003 (2) |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Center |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030919120900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120065815/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030919120900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }} A news report on September 14 warned conditions could be similar to the disaster caused by Hurricane Hazel 49 years prior, resulting in widespread media coverage on the hurricane.{{cite web|publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre |year=2004 |title=2003 Tropical Cyclone Season Summary |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202175238/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm03.html |archive-date=February 2, 2007 }} 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. While flying in a thunderstorm, ice accumulation forced the plane to descend.{{cite web|author=Chris Fogarty |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Summary in Canada |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Centre |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/isabel/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026171328/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/isabel/index.html |archive-date=October 26, 2006 }}

Impact

rowspan=2\|Region !colspan=2\|Deaths !rowspan=2\|Damage (2003 USD)
class="wikitable" style="float:right;margin:0 0 0.5em 1em" \|+Deaths and damage by region
Direct\|\|Indirect
Florida	1	0	0
North Carolina	1	2	$450 million
Virginia	10	22	>$1.85 billion
West Virginia	0	0	$20 million
Washington, D.C.	0	1	$125 million
Maryland	1	6	$820 million
Delaware	0	0	$40 million
Pennsylvania	0	2	$160 million
New Jersey	1	1	$50 million
New York	1	0	$90 million
Rhode Island	1	0	0
Ontario	0	1	Unknown
Total\|\|16\|\|35\|\|$3.6 billion

Strong winds from Isabel extended from North Carolina to New England and westward to West Virginia. The winds, combined with previous rainfall which moistened the soil, downed many trees and power lines across its path, leaving about 6 million electricity customers without power at some point. Parts of coastal Virginia, especially in the Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina areas, were without electricity for almost a month. Coastal areas suffered from waves and its powerful storm surge, with areas in eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia reporting severe damage from both winds and the storm surge. Throughout its path, Isabel resulted in $5.5 billion in damage (2003 USD) and 51 deaths, of which 16 were directly related to the storm's effects.{{cite report|title=Costliest U.S. tropical cyclones tables updated|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/news/UpdatedCostliest.pdf|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=January 26, 2018|access-date=January 29, 2018|location=Miami, Florida}}{{cite report|title=Service Assessment Hurricane Isabel September 18-19, 2003|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|url=https://www.weather.gov/media/publications/assessments/isabel.pdf|page=2, 22|date=May 2004}} The governors of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware declared states of emergency. Isabel was the first major hurricane to threaten the Mid-Atlantic States and the Upper South since Hurricane Floyd in September 1999. Isabel's greatest effect was due to flood damage, the worst in some areas of Virginia since 1972's Hurricane Agnes. More than 60 million people were affected to some degree—a similar number to Floyd but more than any other hurricane in recent memory.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center|year=2003|title=Climate of 2003- Comparison of Hurricanes Floyd, Hugo and Isabel|access-date=February 11, 2007|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2003/fl-hu-is-comp.html}}

=Caribbean and Southeast United States=

File:Isabel 2003 rainfall.gif

Powerful surf affected the northern coastlines of the islands in the Greater Antilles. Strong swells also lashed the Bahamas. During most hurricanes, the location of the Bahamas prevents powerful swells of Atlantic hurricanes from striking southeast Florida. However, the combination of the location, forward speed, and strength of Isabel produced strong swells through the Providence Channel onto a narrow {{convert|10|mi|km}} stretch of the southeastern Florida coastline; wave heights peaked at {{convert|14|ft|m}} at Delray Beach. The swells capsized a watercraft and injured its two passengers at Boynton Beach, and a swimmer required assistance to be rescued near Juno Beach. Minor beach erosion was reported in Palm Beach County.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |access-date=March 19, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5374623|title=High Surf Event Report for Coastal Palm Beach County, Florida}} In the northern portion of the state, waves reached up to {{convert|15|ft|m}} in height at Flagler Beach, causing the Flagler Beach Pier to be closed due to damaged boards from the waves.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |access-date=March 19, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5368635 |title=High Surf Event Report for Flagler County, Florida

}} Rip currents from Isabel killed a surfer at an unguarded beach in Nassau County, with an additional six people requiring rescue from the currents.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |access-date=March 19, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5368632 |title=Rip Current Event Report for Nassau County, Florida}}

In northeastern South Carolina, the outer rainbands produced moderate winds reaching {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at Myrtle Beach. Rainfall was light, peaking at {{convert|1.34|in|mm}} in Loris.{{cite web|publisher=Wilmington, North Carolina National Weather Service|title=Summary of Hurricane Isabel |access-date=March 21, 2025 |url=https://www.weather.gov/ilm/2003-Sep-18hurricane}}

=North Carolina=

Isabel produced moderate to heavy damage across eastern North Carolina, totaling $450 million (2003 USD). Damage was heaviest in Dare County, where storm surge flooding and strong winds damaged thousands of houses.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Hurricane (Typhoon) Event Report for Dare County, North Carolina |access-date=December 6, 2006 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5337061}} The storm surge produced a {{convert|2,000|ft|m}} wide inlet on Hatteras Island, unofficially known as Isabel Inlet, isolating Hatteras by road for two months.{{cite web|author=Fred Hurteau |year=2003 |title=The Dynamic Landscape of the Outer Banks |publisher=Outer Banks Guidebook |access-date=December 5, 2006 |url=http://www.outerbanksguidebook.com/dynamic.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928230129/http://www.outerbanksguidebook.com/dynamic.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }} Strong winds downed hundreds of trees of across the state, leaving up to 700,000 residents without power. Most areas with power outages had power restored within a few days. The hurricane directly killed one person and indirectly killed two in the state.{{cite web|publisher=Sunbelt Rentals |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Aftermath |access-date=December 9, 2006 |url=http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102171147/http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-date=January 2, 2007 }}

=Virginia=

File:Hurricane Isabel flood water.jpg, Hampton, Virginia as a result of Hurricane Isabel|alt=Photo of flooded roadways at Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia, due to Isabel.]]

The storm surge assailed much of southeastern Virginia causing the worst flooding seen in the area since the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane, peaking at an estimated {{convert|9|ft|m}} in Richmond along the James River. The surge caused significant damage to homes along river ways, especially along the middle reaches of the James River basin.{{cite web|author=David Roth|date=May 12, 2022|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Isabel|publisher=Weather Prediction Center|access-date=October 12, 2024|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/isabel2003.html}} The strong storm surge surpassed the floodgate to the Midtown Tunnel while workers attempted to close the gate; about {{convert|44|e6USgal|m3}} of water flooded the tunnel entirely in just 40 minutes, with the workers barely able to escape.{{cite web|publisher=Sunbelt Rentals |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Effects by Region |access-date=March 19, 2007 |url=http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102171147/http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-date=January 2, 2007 }} 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. Further inland, heavy rainfall was reported, peaking at {{convert|20.2|in|mm}} in Sherando, Virginia, causing damage and severe flash flooding. Winds from the hurricane destroyed over 1,000 houses and damaged 9,000 more;{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Arlington/Alexandria/Falls Church, Virginia |access-date=March 20, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5335421}} damage in the state totaled over $1.85 billion (2003 USD), among the costliest tropical cyclones in Virginia history. The passage of Isabel also resulted in 32 deaths in the state, 10 directly from the storm's effects and 22 indirectly related.

=Mid-Atlantic=

{{main|Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Maryland and Washington, D.C.}}

About 1.24 million people lost power throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. The worst of Isabel's effects came from its storm surge, which inundated areas along the coast and resulted in severe beach erosion. In Eastern Maryland, hundreds of buildings were damaged by the storm surge and related tidal flooding. The most severe flooding occurred in the southern portions of Dorchester and Somerset counties and on Kent Island in Queen Anne's County. Thousands of houses were affected in Central Maryland, with severe storm surge flooding reported in Baltimore and Annapolis. Washington, D.C. sustained moderate damage, primarily from the winds. Throughout Maryland and Washington, damage totaled about $945 million (2003 USD), with only one direct fatality due to flooding.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Maryland Beaches|access-date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5370988}}{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Queen Anne's County, Maryland |access-date=March 21, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5372300}}{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Tropical Storm Event Report for Baltimore County, Maryland |access-date=March 21, 2025 |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5335404}}{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=Tropical Storm Event Report for District of Columbia|access-date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5335420 }}

The effects of the hurricane in Delaware were compounded by flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri days before.{{cite web|author=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Disaster Recovery Centers to Open |access-date=December 26, 2006 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=5178 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005225642/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=5178 |archive-date=October 5, 2006 }} Winds reached {{convert|62|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Lewes. The winds knocked down numerous trees and power lines across the state,{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=High Wind Event Report for New Castle County, Delaware |access-date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5372405}} leaving at least 15,300 without power.{{cite web|author=Joint Information Center |year=2003 |title=Sporadic Power Outages Being Reported Across State |publisher=Delaware Emergency Management Agency |access-date=December 24, 2006 |url=http://www.state.de.us/dema/press_release/Isabel_1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061218112445/http://www.state.de.us/dema/press_release/Isabel_1.pdf |archive-date=December 18, 2006 }} Along the coast, the storm surge reached {{convert|8.66|ft|m}} at Reedy Point. High tides and waves caused beach erosion and coastal flooding, which closed 62 roads statewide, inundating a portion of Delaware Route 1.{{cite press release|title=Damage Assessment to Begin Statewide |publisher=Delaware Emergency Management Agency |date=2003-09-19 |url=http://dema.delaware.gov/press_release/Isabel_4.pdf |access-date=2008-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108191552/http://dema.delaware.gov/press_release/Isabel_4.pdf |archive-date=2009-01-08 }} The passage of Hurricane Isabel resulted in $40 million in damage (2003 USD) in Delaware.

Moving through West Virginia as a tropical storm, Isabel produced wind gusts of 46 mph (74 km/h) in Martinsburg. Rainfall reached {{convert|6.88|in|mm|abbr=on}} at a station near Sugar Grove.{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall in the Mid Atlantic United States}} Across the state, the storm resulted in about $10 million in damage. Heavy rainfall in combination with the strong wind gusts knocked down trees, which fell onto power lines, cars, and houses. Flash flooding also occurred along rivers, which caused mudslides, washed out two bridges, and broke a levee. Two people required rescue after driving into flooded waters in Jefferson County.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center|title=Hardy County, West Virginia Flash Flood Event Report|access-date=March 9, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5335532}}

File:Isabel 2003-09-19 1820Z.jpg on September 19|alt=Satellite image of Hurricane Isabel's remnants located over the Northeasten United States on September 19]]

The passage of Isabel through Pennsylvania resulted in two deaths and about $160 million in damage. One person died from carbon monoxide poisoning, believed to be caused due to improperly ventilated generators in an area affected by the power outages.{{cite news|website=CNN.com|title=Isabel death toll creeps higher|access-date=January 27, 2007|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WEATHER/09/22/isabel/index.html | date=September 22, 2003}} The other death occurred when a tree struck a motorist in Lancaster.{{cite report|publisher=State College, Pennsylvania National Weather Service|title=Hurricane Isabel on September 19, 2003|access-date=March 9, 2025|url=https://www.weather.gov/ctp/2003-Sept-19-Hurricane-Isabel}} Wind gusts reached {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Forks Township, and {{convert|49|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Philadelphia.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center |title=High Wind Event Report for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |access-date=March 21, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5336714}} The winds knocked down trees and power lines, leaving 1.4 million customers across the state without power. Dozens of trees and houses were also damaged by the fallen trees, and roads were closed. High tides caused flooding along low-lying areas of the Delaware River.{{cite web|author=Gorse and Frugis|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Post Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=Mount Holly, New Jersey National Weather Service|access-date=January 27, 2007|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/storms/09192003.txt}}

Although well to the east of Isabel's center, New Jersey experienced gale-force winds, with gusts to {{convert|63|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} recorded in Cape May. The hurricane killed two people in the state. A tree struck and killed a motorist in Independence Township, and high waves killed a swimmer off Wildwood Crest. Statewide, damage totaled $25 million. Strong winds knocked down trees and power lines across the state, leaving at least 382,000 people without power. High waves and tides eroded beaches along the state's southern coast.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center|title=Warren County, New Jersey High Wind Event Report|access-date=March 9, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5336736}} In North Jersey, the high winds caused three injuries, one due to a fallen tree, and the others due to broken glass. In Union County, storm debris forced the cancelation of schools.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center|title=Union County, New Jersey Tropical Storm Event Report|access-date=March 9, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5336319}}

In New York, one person drowned while surfing off Long Beach.{{cite web|website=National Climatic Data Center|title=Nassau County, New York Tropical Storm Event Report|access-date=March 9, 2025|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5336316}} Statewide, the hurricane left at least $45 million in damage. Strong winds knocked down trees across the state, injuring two drivers in the New York area. In the New York City area, about 1.1 million people lost power, most of which was restored within a day.{{cite news|title=A look at the effects of Hurricane Isabel|publisher=Times Herald-Record|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2003/09/20/a-look-at-effects-hurricane/51150564007/|access-date=March 9, 2025|date=September 20, 2003}} The hurricane brought unusual birds to the western portion of the state, including petrels and shearwaters normally found in salt-water regions or over the open ocean. Most of the birds died within a few days due to the sudden change in habitat.{{cite news|publisher=Buffalo News|date=October 3, 2003|title=Isabel was kind to our region in more ways than one}} In Cayuga County, downed power lines lit one building on fire.{{cite news |author=John Stith|date=September 20, 2003 |title=Storm Severs Power to Thousands; Firefighters Battle Auburn Apartment Fire Caused By Electrical Problems |work=Syracuse Post-Standard}}

=Elsewhere=

Isabel's effects extended into New England, including light rainfall and strong wind gusts. High surf killed a man in Narragansett, Rhode Island.{{cite report|title=Washington County, Rhode Island High Surf Event Report|website=National Climatic Data Center=|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5374546|access-date=March 9, 2025}}{{Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for New England}} In Vermont, wind gusts reached {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in Starksboro. The winds knocked down a few trees and power lines, some of which fell onto vehicles.{{cite report|title=Eastern Addison County, Vermont High Wind Event Report|website=National Climatic Data Center=|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=5371499|access-date=March 9, 2025}}

Isabel dropped light to moderate precipitation across the eastern half of Ohio, with isolated locations reporting over {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}}. Moisture from Isabel dropped light rainfall across eastern Michigan and peaked at {{convert|1.55|in|mm}} at Mount Clemens. Additionally, Doppler weather radar estimated rainfall approached {{convert|2.5|in|mm}} in St. Clair County. No damage was reported from Isabel in the region.{{cite web|publisher=Detroit National Weather Service|year=2003|title=Remnants of Isabel Bring Rainfall to Southeast Michigan Friday Morning|access-date=February 8, 2007|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/isabel2003.php}}

Swells from Isabel produced moderate surf along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, particularly in the Gulf of Maine. Isabel also produced rough surf in Lake Ontario, with waves reaching {{convert|4|m|ft|abbr=on}} along the western portion. At Hamilton, the waves surpassed seawalls and produced spray onto coastal streets. Rainfall peaked at {{convert|59|mm|in|abbr=on}}, which caused minor flooding and led to one traffic fatality. About 27,000 people lost power, mostly near Toronto.{{cite report|publisher=Environment Canada|date=September 14, 2010|title=2003-Isabel|access-date=April 17, 2013|url=http://www.ec.gc.ca/Hurricane/default.asp?lang=En&n=9BE4D4C2-1}} The strong pressure gradient between Isabel and a high pressure system over eastern Canada produced strong easterly winds across lakes Ontario and Erie. A buoy in Lake Ontario reported a peak gust of {{convert|78|km/h|mph|abbr=on}},{{cite web|author=Szeto and LaFortune |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Information Statement on September 20, 2003 |publisher=Canadian Hurricane Center |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030920070900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120065808/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20030920070900.Isabel.info.txt.en |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }} and gusts reached as strong as {{convert|81|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} at Port Colborne, Ontario.

Aftermath

File:Hatteras Island damage by Hurricane Isabel.jpg

The widespread damage from Isabel across the eastern United States prompted then-President George W. Bush to declare disaster areas across the entirety of Delaware and Maryland, as well as 36 North Carolina counties, 77 Virginia counties or independent cities, 6 West Virginia counties, and 7 Pennsylvania counties, as well as the District of Columbia. The disaster declaration allocated the use of federal funds for rebuilding and providing aid in the aftermath of hurricane Isabel.

{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1490|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=North Carolina Hurricane Isabel DR-1490-NC}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1491|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Virginia Hurricane Isabel DR-1491-VA}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1492|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Maryland Hurricane Isabel DR-1492-MD}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1493|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=District of Columbia (DC) Hurricane Isabel DR-1493-DC}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1494|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Delaware Hurricane Isabel DR-1494-DE}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1496|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=West Virginia Hurricane Isabel DR-1496-WV}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.fema.gov/disaster/1497|access-date=March 9, 2025|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|title=Pennsylvania Tropical Storms Henri and Isabel, and Related Severe Storms and Flooding DR-1497-PA}} By about four months after the passage of the hurricane, disaster aid totaled about $516 million (2004 USD), primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. Over 166,000 residents applied for individual assistance, with about $117 million (2004 USD) approved for residents to assist with temporary housing and home repairs. About 50,000 business owners applied for Small Business Administration loans, with about $178 million (2004 USD) approved for the assistance loans. About 40,000 people visited local disaster recovery centers, designed to provide additional information regarding the aftermath of the hurricane.{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=State/Federal Disaster Aid Tops $155 Million in North Carolina |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=9029 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003110618/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=9029 |archive-date=October 3, 2006 }}{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2004 |title=Commonwealth of Virginia Receives Nearly $257 Million In Disaster Assistance |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=10604 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003070449/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=10604 |archive-date=October 3, 2006 }}{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Maryland Disaster Aid Nearing $100 Million |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=9314 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003092132/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=9314 |archive-date=October 3, 2006 }}{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Disaster Victims in Delaware Receive Over $3.5 Million In Assistance So Far |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=7748 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003094343/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=7748 |archive-date=October 3, 2006 }}{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Disaster Aid in Pennsylvania Surpasses Half Million Dollars |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=6792 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061003134256/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=6792 |archive-date=October 3, 2006 }}

In North Carolina, hundreds of residents were stranded in Hatteras following the formation of Isabel Inlet.{{cite web|publisher=Sunbelt Rentals |year=2003 |title=Hurricane Isabel Aftermath |access-date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102171147/http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/news/HurricaneIsabelAftermath.pdf |archive-date=January 2, 2007 }} 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. 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. Initially, long-term solutions to the Isabel Inlet such as building a bridge or a ferry system were considered, though they were ultimately canceled in favor of pumping sand and filling the inlet. Coastal geologists were opposed to the solution, stating the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes.{{cite web|author=John Roach|year=2003|title=Shoring Up N. Carolina Islands: A Losing Battle?|publisher=National Geographic News|access-date=February 13, 2007|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/11/1110_031110_outerbanks.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031118230258/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/11/1110_031110_outerbanks.html|archive-date=November 18, 2003}} Dredging operations began on October 17, about a month after the hurricane struck. The United States Geological Survey used sand from the ferry channel to the southwest of Hatteras Island, a choice made to minimize the impact to submerged aquatic vegetation and due to the channel being filled somewhat during the hurricane.{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |year=2003 |title=Dredging Operations Begin |access-date=December 16, 2006 |url=http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=6315 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061006095047/https://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=6315 |archive-date=October 6, 2006 }} On November 22, about two months after the hurricane struck, North Carolina Highway 12 and Hatteras Island were reopened to public access. On the same day, the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke was reopened.

Across the northeastern United States, workers immediately began repairing the power failures by clearing tree branches and replacing fuses and circuit breakers. PECO energy restored power to 72% of the affected customers by two days after the storm,{{cite web|publisher=United States Department of Energy|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 20, 2003 11:00AM|access-date=January 29, 2007|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092003_1100.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302233525/https://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092003_1100.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2013}} with 85% restored by two nights. By two days after the storm, Pennsylvania Power and Light restored power to about 80% of its impacted customers, with about 93% restored by two nights after the storm. By five days after Isabel, most power outages in southeastern Pennsylvania were repaired,{{cite web|publisher=United States Department of Energy|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 23, 2003 12:00PM|access-date=January 29, 2007|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092303_1200.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302233514/https://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092303_1200.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2013}} with all outages restored by a week after the hurricane.{{cite web|publisher=United States Department of Energy|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 25, 2003 9:00AM|access-date=January 29, 2007|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092503_0900.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302233505/https://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092503_0900.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2013}} Allegheny Power restored power to about 20% of its customers by two days after the storm. Most power outages for the company were restored by five days after the hurricane, with all power completely restored by a week after Isabel. In West Virginia, the power outages were restored within a week.{{cite web|publisher=United States Department of Energy|year=2003|title=Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 25, 2003|access-date=February 7, 2007|url=http://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092503_0900.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302233505/https://www.oe.netl.doe.gov/docs/isabel/hurrisabel_sitrep_092503_0900.pdf|archive-date=March 2, 2013}} Power workers throughout Canada assisted the severely affected power companies from Maryland to North Carolina.{{cite web|publisher=Constellation Energy |year=2003 |title=The Facts: Hurricane Isabel and BGE |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=http://www.constellation.com/vcmfiles/Constellation/Files/factsheet_isabel.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061023224638/http://www.constellation.com/vcmfiles/Constellation/Files/factsheet_isabel.pdf |archive-date=October 23, 2006 }} Hydro-Québec sent 25 teams to the New York City area to assist in power outages.{{cite news|publisher=CBC News |title=Isabel to bring heavy winds to eastern Ontario |access-date=February 4, 2007 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/isabel-to-bring-heavy-winds-to-eastern-ontario-1.410383 |date=September 18, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023040109/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/isabel-to-bring-heavy-winds-to-eastern-ontario-1.410383 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 }} Officials in Connecticut sent a tractor trailer truck with water and ice to help residents in North Carolina.{{cite web|publisher=Office of Governor Rell|year=2003|title=Connecticut Pitches In To Help North Carolina Hurricane Victims--2,000 Gallons of Water, 25,000 Pounds of Ice On Its Way South|access-date=January 31, 2007|url=http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=260210}}

In the Chesapeake Bay, the passage of the hurricane caused an algal bloom of phytoplankton, which was the largest bloom in the fall ever observed in the body of water. By two weeks after Isabel, the water returned to normal levels.{{cite journal|title=Hurricane Isabel generated an unusual fall bloom in Chesapeake Bay|date=March 2006|volume=33|number=6|url=https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2005GL025658|journal=Geophysical Research Letters|author1=W. David Miller|author2=Lawrence W. Harding Jr.|author3=Jason E. Adolf|doi=10.1029/2005GL025658 |bibcode=2006GeoRL..33.6612M |url-access=subscription}} The hurricane also disrupted the flight pattern of several bird species, leading to unusual birds being spotted across upstate New York and Vermont.{{cite journal|volume=58|issue=1|title=Hurricane Isabel of 2003|journal=North American Birds|date=March 1, 2004|url=https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1750&context=nab|author1=Ricky Davis|author2=Todd M. Day|author3=Marshall J. Iliff|author4=Robert C. Leberman|author5=Steve Kelling|author6=David H. Elder|access-date=March 9, 2025}}

=Retirement=

Because of widespread property damage and extensive death toll, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Isabel in the spring of 2004, and it will never again be used for a North Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Ida for the 2009 season.{{cite web |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |title=Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Names |date=May 19, 2008 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804225453/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml |archive-date=August 4, 2008 }}{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/NHOP-FCM-P12-2004.pdf|page=3{{hyphen}}9|publisher=NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 2004|access-date=April 11, 2024}}

References

External links

{{NHC TCR url|id=AL132003_Isabel|title=National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report for Hurricane Isabel}}
[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2003/ISABEL.shtml National Hurricane Center advisory archive for Hurricane Isabel]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20050504210810/http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/isabel.pdf National Weather Service Assessment]
[http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/archive/2003/storms/isabel/movies/isabel-eye.html Category 5 Hurricane Isabel eye vortices java loop], [http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/isabel_2003.html Interpretation of]
[http://ian.umces.edu/press/books/publication/334/hurricane_isabel_in_perspective_proceedings_of_a_conference_2005-10-01/ Hurricane Isabel in Perspective: Proceedings of a Conference]