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There's one key thing to note with the incoming Isabel.

It will not have time to weaken all that much on its way into Maryland/Northern Virginia/Pennsylvania. By the time it's hitting Hatteras/VA Beach and heading into the Chesapeake it will be galloping NNW at 20-25 mph...meaning it will spend only 12 hours or so over just the fringes of land before slamming into lower southern Maryland (if that forecast track is accurate).

If TPC/NHC is close to accurate...the DC area would be struck by 60-80 mph sustained winds and 100+ mph gusts...6-10 or 12 inches of rain in local areas with a good 5 inch general swath for everyone...let's not forget Tropical Storm Henri just showed us what the likely path of Isabel will be...Henri tracked right up the Chesapeake...just like this is now projected to do...I believe that is where it's going.

Let's also not forget that folks up and down the east have been dealing with above normal percipitation CONTINUOUSLY since LAST AUGUST...meaning the reserviors and water tables can't take much more of this abuse...and flooding will be widespread and abundant.

This has the potential to top hurricane Floyd in total damage costs and shine as the costliest hurricane EVER to hit the US.

Prepare now...buy your emergency supplies...get your car serrviced, and make sure its gas tank is full constantly. Put first aide kits everywhere you're likely to be (house, car) and non-parishable food in the trunk just in case you're stuck on the road for a day trying to evacuate.

Evacuate BEFORE they tell you to...don't wait for the official word...get out as soon as hurricane warnings are issued...do not fool around with this system...and do not hesitate to leave. I can't stress enough how bad this could possibly be for the DC chapter.

Evacuate BEFORE they tell you to...don't wait for the official word...get out as soon as hurricane warnings are issued...do not fool around with this system...and do not hesitate to leave. I can't stress enough how bad this could possibly be for the DC chapter.

Amen. I've said it before but it bears repeating: if you are on the Delmarva Peninsula and want/need to evacuate, DO IT SOON. They will close the bridges and trap you if you wait.

If TPC/NHC is close to accurate...the DC area would be struck by 60-80 mph sustained winds and 100+ mph gusts.

This may be a first - to see the White House windows boarded up! First thing I thought of, anyway, when I realized Isabel may blast through DC!