the large eyewall of Isabel is coming ashore along the North Carolina Outer Banks. Although aircraft reconnaissance reports flight-level winds of 111 kt...surface winds are estimated to be substatially lower...about 85 kt. Little change in strength is expected prior to the center making landfall. Although Isabel will weaken after landfall...the strong winds aloft will be felt in the form of hurricane force wind gusts well inland over the elevated terrain of northern Virginia and western Maryland...as well as on high rise buildings and other structures in major metropolitan areas near and especially east of the path of Isabel. There has been little change to the forecast track. Isabel is expected to become extratropical within 36 hours and be absorbed after 48 hours. Forecaster Franklin |