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Issued at: 1:53 AM EDT 9/18/03 (gateway).

Rainbands of large hurricane isabel spreading across eastern north carolina and southeastern virginia,

A hurricane warning remains in effect from cape fear north carolina to chincoteague virginia, 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.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect south of cape fear to south santee river south carolina, and north of chincoteague to sandy hook new jersey, including delaware bay. A tropical storm warning also remains in effect for the chesapeake bay from smith point northward, and for the tidal potomac.

At 2 am edt, the center of hurricane isabel was located by an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft near latitude 32.5 north, longitude 74.3 west or about 205 miles south-southeast of cape hatteras north carolina.

Isabel is moving toward the north-northwest near 13 mph. A turn to the northwest with an increase in forward speed is expected prior to landfall. On the forecast track, the center of isabel is expected to make landfall in eastern north carolina during the day thursday. However, conditions will deteriorate over a large area well before the center reaches the coast. Tropical storm conditions are already spreading across the coastline.

Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, with higher gusts. A slight increase in strength is possible 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 latest minimum central pressure reported by the hurricane hunter is 957 mb, 28.26 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 7 to 11 feet above normal tide levels, along with extremely 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 8 ft above normal tide levels is expected in 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.

There is a threat of isolated tornadoes over eastern north carolina and southeastern virginia on Thursday.

Repeating the 2 am edt position, 32.5 n, 74.3 w. Movement toward, north-northwest near 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 105 mph. Minimum central pressure, 957 mb.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local weather office and statements from local emergency management officials.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 5 am edt.