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Isabel came ashore along the North Carolina Outer Banks on Thursday 18 September 2003, whilst remaining a category 2 hurricane.
Isabel weakened after landfall although winds stayed stronger aloft with hurricane force gusts well inland over high ground and on high rise buildings, particularly to the east of Isabel's path.
0900 GMT on 19th
Tropical storm Isabel was located near 39.2N 78.7W, tracking north-northwest at 21mph. Winds were estimated at just over 50mph with gusts of 65mph.
1500 GMT on 18th
The centre of Isabel was located near 34.4N 75.7W, tracking northwest at 19mph. Winds were estimated at just under 100mph (Category 2) with gusts of 120mph.
0900 GMT on 18th
The hurricane centre was located near 33.1N 74.7W, tracking northwest at 14mph. Winds were estimated at 100mph (Category 2) with gusts of 125mph.
0300 GMT on 18th
The hurricane centre was located near 31.9N 73.9W, tracking north-northwest at 13mph. Winds were estimated at 100mph (Category 2) with gusts of 125mph.
1500 GMT on 17th
Isabel was located near 30.0N 72.6W, tracking north-northwest at 13mph. Winds were estimated at 115mph (Category 2) with gusts of 130mph.
0900 GMT on 17th
The hurricane centre was located near 29.4N 72.2W, tracking north-northwest at 8mph. Winds were estimated at 115mph (Category 2) with gusts of 130mph.
0300 GMT on 17th
The centre of Isabel was located near 28.5N 71.7W, tracking north-northwest at 7mph. Winds were estimated at 115mph (Category 2) with gusts of 130mph.
1600 GMT on 16th
Isabel was located near 27.4N 71.2W heading north-northwest at 7mph. Winds were estimated at 100mph (Category 2) with gusts of 125mph.
0900 GMT on 16th
Isabel was located near 26.6N 70.7W (about 700 miles south of Cape Hatteras) heading north west towards the eastern coast at 7mph. Winds were estimated at 120mph (Category 3) with gusts nearing 140mph.
Historical Facts
Hurricane Isabel was the first major hurricane to threaten this section of the eastern seaboard since 1999 when Hurricane Floyd, a category 2 hurricane, caused $4.5 billion damage and 56 deaths. Floyd is currently the 3rd costliest hurricane in US history.
Final details
All coastal tropical storm warnings were discontinued at 1500 GMT on 16 September, although storm surge flooding was still a possibility.
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