Effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia
Category 1 hurricane | |
---|---|
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 75 mph (120 km/h) |
Highest gusts | 105 mph (170 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 969 mbar (hPa); 28.61 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 10 direct, 22 indirect |
Damage | $1.85 billion (2003 USD) |
Areas affected | Virginia |
Part of the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season |
The effects of Hurricane Isabel in Virginia proved to be the costliest disaster in the history of Virginia.[1] Hurricane Isabel formed from a tropical wave on September 6, 2003, in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. It moved northwestward, and within an environment of light wind shear and warm waters it steadily strengthened to reach peak winds of 265 km/h (165 mph) 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 165 km/h (103 mph) on September 18. It quickly weakened over land as it passed through central Virginia, and Isabel became extratropical over western Pennsylvania on September 19.
Strong winds from the hurricane affected 99
Preparations
By four days before Isabel made landfall, most weather models predicted Isabel to make landfall between North Carolina and New Jersey.[4][5] Initially, forecasters predicted it to move along the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay,[4] though as the hurricane neared land the predicted track was much closer to where it ultimately was. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch from the North Carolina/Virginia border to Chincoteague near its border with Maryland about 50 hours before Isabel struck land, including the southern portion of the Chesapeake Bay. 18 hours before the hurricane made landfall, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the watch to a hurricane warning for the entire coastline.[6] Additionally, inland hurricane and tropical storm warnings were issued for south-central Virginia. The Wakefield National Weather Service office issued three tornado warnings for four counties, though none became tornadoes. The office also issued two county-wide flood warnings and 43 flood warnings and flood statements for various river basins.[7]
The Virginia Emergency Management Agency was activated on September 15, about three days prior to Isabel making landfall and entering the state. Officials in
Despite the orders, a relatively small number of people evacuated for the hurricane. According to a telephone survey conducted by the United States Department of Commerce, the highest participation rate was for residents in the Northern Neck in areas potentially affected by the storm surge from a Category 2 hurricane, of which 41% in the survey stated they left their houses for a safer location. In Surry, only 9% of those in a Category 2 hurricane storm surge zone left. 30% who participated in the survey along the Eastern Shore left. The primary reasons for the choice whether to evacuate or not were due to the track of Isabel, its strength, or influence from the media. Most participants in the survey stated they did not hear any sort of evacuation notice from public officials in their location, however. Of those who evacuated, about 64% left for the house of a friend or a relative, with about 24% evacuating to a hotel or a motel. Most of those in Hampton and Norfolk left for elsewhere in the state, while the majority of those in the Northern Neck evacuated to destinations in their own neighborhood or community. The evacuation destinations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia were varied, with 23% leaving for Maryland and 46% staying in their own neighborhood or community. The length of the evacuation process varied between a few hours to two days, with the worst evacuation problems being closed or flooded roads.[8] The Virginia Army National Guard and State Police troopers assisted in the evacuations.[9] In all, more than 160,000 residents in southeastern Virginia were told to evacuate, including 11,000 in vulnerable locations along the Chesapeake Bay[10] and all residents in mobile home parks in Chesapeake and Newport News.[11] A total of about 16,325 people evacuated to 67 shelters. Some of the reported problems were shortages of supplies, unanticipated medical issues, overcrowding, and lack of security.[8]
Impact
Throughout the state, Hurricane Isabel resulted in a damage total of $1.85 billion (2003 USD, $2.17 billion 2008 USD).
Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area and Delmarva Peninsula
Along the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Isabel produced sustained winds reaching 50 mph (80 km/h) with gusts to 62 mph (100 km/h) at Wallops Island. Higher unofficial gusts were recorded, including a peak reading of 71 mph (114 km/h) in Chincoteague. Rainfall was fairly light, with 2 inches (51 mm) recorded in Heathsville.[16] On Fisherman Island, the hurricane produced a 4.26-foot (1.3-m) storm surge, flooding much of the island. The combination of the surge and waves resulted in minor beach erosion and overwash.[17] Northampton County reported $10 million in crop damage (2003 USD, $12 million 2008 USD).[1] One person died in Accomack County when a tree fell on his mobile home.[7]
In the
In Virginia Beach, the 15th Street fishing pier was significantly damaged due to intense wave action. Likewise the historic
Heavy rainfall led to moderate to severe inland flooding, with high waters reported along U.S. Route 460 in Prince George County, U.S. Route 17, and several other roads. The rainfall led to river flooding, including minor to moderate flooding along the Rivanna and James Rivers, moderate flooding along the Appomattox River, and moderate to major flooding along the Meherrin, Nottoway, and Blackwater Rivers.[16] In Isle of Wight County, a driver attempted to cross high water on the James River Bridge and was killed when the water washed the car off of the road.[7]
The unusually large wind field uprooted many thousands of trees, downed many power lines, damaged hundreds of houses, and snapped thousands of telephone poles and cross arms. Hundreds of roads, including major highways, were blocked by fallen trees.[22] An emergency evacuation shelter in Newport News reported minor wind damage.[8] Two people in the region died due to falling trees—one in New Kent County and one in the city of Hopewell.[7] Power outages left most traffic lights not working across Hampton Roads, resulting in multiple minor car accidents. Additionally, most gas stations were closed, due to power outages leaving the pumps unusable.[20] Old Dominion University remained closed for two weeks due to storm damage and power issues, the longest it has ever been closed during a school term. Likewise, Norfolk State University, Regent University, Tidewater Community College and Eastern Virginia Medical School all experienced significant closing times due to both storm damage and a lack of electricity.
Northern
Funnel clouds were reported along the Northern Neck.[18] The hurricane produced a strong storm surge across northern Virginia, reaching 9.5 feet (2.9 m) in Alexandria.[14] Rainfall was light across the region, with amounts varying between 1–3 inches (25–76 millimetres).[23]
The storm surge washed out 160 homes and 60 condominiums in Fairfax County, with an additional 2,000 units reporting minor to severe damage from the flooding. In Stafford County, the surge destroyed five marinas and broke many boats free from their docks, while in Alexandria it flooded numerous businesses and severely impacting marinas. One section of CSX Transportation railway tracks in Prince William County collapsed into the Potomac River from the surge.[14]
Gusty winds downed several trees across Alexandria, causing about $2 million in damage (2003 USD, $2.3 million 2008 USD).
Central and southwest
A tornado was reported near
The storm surge significantly damaged or destroyed many homes along the James River, particularly in the towns of Claremont and Burwells Bay, Virginia. The surges in several tidal rivers caught some residents by surprise, both in height and severity. A man in Henrico County drowned after crashing into a flooded creek.[7]
The winds downed trees throughout the area, some of which hit homes and vehicles. In Amelia County, strong winds removed a mobile home from its foundation and destroyed it.[18] Falling trees killed two in the area—one in Chesterfield County and one in the city of Richmond.[7] The downed trees snapped many power lines, leaving about 365,000 Dominion Virginia Power customers in the Richmond area without power.[13] A portion of the roof of The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves, was damaged by the winds.[26]
Wet conditions caused many accidents along roadways in central Virginia.
Shenandoah Valley
Intense rainbands from Isabel produced heavy rainfall across the Shenandoah Valley,[29] peaking at 20.2 inches (510 mm) in Upper Sherando in Augusta County.[23] Sustained winds in the area ranged from 25–50 mph (40–80 km/h), while wind gusts reached about 60 mph (97 km/h). Strong winds downed numerous trees and power lines, causing some power outages.[30]
The rainfall led to extensive flash flooding and river flooding, including along several
Aftermath
On the day of Isabel moving through the state, President George W. Bush declared 18 counties and 14 independent cities as disaster areas, making residents and business-owners there eligible for federal funding. Additionally, funds were allocated for state and local governments in the 31 designated jurisdictions to pay 75% of the eligible cost for debris removal and emergency services related to the hurricane, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government.[32] Many other jurisdictions were added, based on subsequent damage reports, and by September 22, 99 jurisdictions were eligible for disaster assistance.[33] The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided hurricane-related bulletins, including safety tips[34] and the method for removing hazardous materials.[35] By 12 days after the passage of the hurricane, FEMA distributed more than 6.3 million lbs. (2.9 million kg) of ice and 1.4 million US gallons (5,300 m3) of water to areas affected by Isabel. Disaster Recovery Centers, which contain information on the aftermath process, were opened in eight locations and received more than 1,850 inquiries. More than 350 FEMA inspectors visited homes to verify damages caused by Isabel, and by the end of September 2003 about 12,000 inspections were completed. In response to the power outages, FEMA installed 28 generators at disaster-affected critical public facilities to support life-sustaining community needs.[36] By about four months after the hurricane, 93,139 individuals in the designated areas applied for disaster assistance, while 20,417 people visited Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the state. The Small Business Administration approved more than 3,000 low-interest disaster loans from homes and businesses, with the value of the loans totaling $74 million (2003 USD; $87 million 2008 USD). The government provided $105 million (2003 USD; $123 million 2008 USD) for debris removal, emergency protective services, and permanent work, and approved about $25.9 million (2003 USD; $30.3 million 2008 USD) for life-sustaining needs such as water, ice, and generators at critical public facilities. Monetary assistance for temporary rental assistance and minimal home repairs totaled $32 million (2003 USD; $37 million 2008 USD), as well.[37]
Volunteer agencies arrived in the state to assist in the aftermath of the hurricane, and by about ten days after Isabel volunteers served more than 550,000 meals to affected residents;[38] over 933,000 meals were served during the four-month cleanup operation[39] Over 10 volunteer organizations, under the coordination of Virginia's Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, worked to help individuals with debris removal across the state.[40]
Dominion Virginia Power quickly began to restore the widespread power outages with a workforce of about 11,000, working between 14 and 16 hours per day.[41] By two days after the storm, about 900,000 remained without power.[42] By five days after the storm, about 584,000 throughout the state were still without power,[15] and by ten days after Isabel the total dropped to about 160,000, most of whom were in the Hampton Roads area.[43] Improper use of generators caused three indirect storm deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from improper ventilation of homes.[7]
As a result of polluted runoff from storm surge and heavy rains, the Virginia Department of Health forbade gathering shellfish in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as all rivers flowing into the bay.[44]
See also
- List of Atlantic hurricanes
- List of retired Atlantic hurricane names
References
- ^ a b c Church World Service (2003). "The CWS Response" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 3, 2007. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
- ^ Although the reference stated that 99 counties in Virginia were affected, the state has only 95 counties. Uniquely in the United States, all Virginia communities incorporated as cities are legally separate from any county.
- ^ a b National Weather Service (2006). "Virginia Hurricane History". Archived from the original on 2016-10-02. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ a b Avila (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Discussion Thirty-Three". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
- ^ National Hurricane Center (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Advisory Archive". Retrieved 2007-02-07.
- ^ a b c Jack Beven; Hugh Cobb (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Tropical Cyclone Report". National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on 2007-12-25. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2004). "Hurricane Isabel Service Assessment" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ NOAA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2007-02-10.)
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ a b c d Bob Lewis (2003-09-19). "More than one million without power as Isabel churns through state". Associated Press.
- ^ a b Sonja Barsisic (2003-09-17). "Virginia governor gives green light to evacuations". Associated Press.
- ^ Sonja Barsisic (2003-09-18). "Virginia governor gives green light to evacuations". Associated Press.
- ^ Paul R. Yarnall (2005). "NavSource Online: Cruiser Photo Archive — USS MONTEREY (CG 61)". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
- ^ a b c d e Peter Bacque; A.J. Hostetler (2003-09-19). "1.4 million in dark after Isabel hits". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Virginia". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-02-23.
- ^ a b Infrastructure Security; Energy Restoration (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 23, 2003 (12:00 p.m.)" (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Wakefield, Virginia National Weather Service (2003). "Preliminary Post-Storm Report on Hurricane Isabel". Retrieved 2007-02-21.
- ^ T.R. Allen; G.F. Oertel (2005). "Landscape Modifications by Hurricane Isabel on Fisherman Island in Virginia" (PDF). Chesapeake Research Consortium. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-05-07. Retrieved 2007-02-21.
- ^ a b c Bill Baskerville (2003-09-23). "Tornado adds insult to Isabel's injury". Associated Press.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Tornado". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-02-22.
- ^ a b Bill Geroux; Pamela Stallssmith; Lauren Shepherd (2003-09-20). "Beach localities roar back to life". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Archived from the original on 2005-11-21. Retrieved 2007-03-25.
- ^ Sunbelt Rentals (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Effects by Region" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 2, 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Southeast Virginia". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
- ^ a b David Roth (2005). "Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Isabel". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved 2007-02-08.
- ^ Stuart Reid (2003-09-19). "Hurricane Isabel claims six lives". Edinburgh: Scotsman.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2003. Retrieved 2007-02-22.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Central Virginia". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
- ^ Meredith Fischer; et al. (2003-09-20). "One of the most devastating' storms, ever". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2007-11-24.
- ^ Spencer, Hawes (2003-10-23). "'Smithereens': Isabel KO's county's busiest trail". The Hook. Charlottesville. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Southwest Virginia". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-02-24.
- ^ a b c d National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Shenandoah Valley". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-03-06.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Shenandoah Valley (2)". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
- ^ National Climatic Data Center (2003). "Event Report for Shenandoah Valley (3)". Archived from the original on May 11, 2008. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "President Orders Disaster Aid For Virginia Hurricane Recovery". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "43 Jurisdictions Added To Hurricane Isabel Disaster Declaration". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "Post-Hurricane Safety Tips". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "Removing Potentially Hazardous Debris From Hurricane Isabel". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "Disaster Assistance Update". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ FEMA (2004). "Commonwealth Receives Nearly $257 Million In Disaster Assistance". Archived from the original on October 3, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
- ^ FEMA (2003). "Disaster Assistance Report". Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ Baptist Press -States coordinating Isabel relief; chainsaw volunteers needed - News with a Christian Perspective Archived March 20, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ FEMA (2003). "Volunteers To Help With Debris Removal And Clean-Up". Archived from the original on October 6, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
- ^ Infrastructure Security; Energy Restoration (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report- September 24, 2003 (7:00 AM)" (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2013. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
- ^ Infrastructure Security; Energy Restoration (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report: September 21, 2003 (12:00 p.m.)" (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
- ^ Infrastructure Security; Energy Restoration (2003). "Hurricane Isabel Situation Report- September 28, 2003 (8:00 AM)" (PDF). United States Department of Energy. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 2, 2013. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
- ^ Various (2003). "News Stories of Hurricane Isabel". Retrieved 2007-01-24.