[steveegg]

Although Isabel will weaken as it moves inland...unusually strong winds...with gusts to hurricane force...may be experienced far inland over the elevated terrain of northern Virginia and Maryland...as well as on high-rise buildings and other structures.

Yikes.

[mhking]

FYI: Hurricane City (http://hurricanecity.com/live.ram) is streaming live from the Ham Radio Hurricane Info Net.

[dennis1x]

great news from NHC.....Isabella down to cat 1....


Hurricane Isabel Discussion Number 50


Statement as of 11:00 am EDT on September 18, 2003



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

[CobaltBlue]

I never thought about the winds being stronger higher up - we're 400 ft above sea level, and the tallest oaks (the ones I am worried about) are 80-100 ft tall. Wonder if that's enough of a height differential from sea level to make a difference. I hope not.