Other wikis The effects of Hurricane Isabel in North Carolina were widespread, with the heaviest damage in Dare County.

Hurricane Isabel produced hurricane-force wind gusts across eastern North Carolina, knocking down trees and power lines.

The hurricane killed three people in the state – two due to falling trees, and the other a utility worker attempting to restore electricity.

[1][2] Forecasters initially predicted a landfall in the northeastern portion of the state,[1] which became more accurate as the hurricane neared land.

Residents who evacuated their homes cited the hurricane's strength and track, as well as statements from officials, as the main reasons for leaving.

The American Red Cross prepared 100 feeding vehicles in staging areas, and deployed two mobile kitchens each with the capacity to provide 10,000 meals per day.

Additionally, five Southern Baptist Convention kitchens were on standby, in total being able to provide 20,000 meals per day.

[3] Rough surf and storm surge caused overwash and severe beach erosion throughout the Outer Banks, with flooding in Ocracoke reportedly being up to waist-high.

The new inlet washed away all utility connections to Hatteras Village, including power lines and water pipes, as well as dunes, three houses, and a portion of North Carolina Highway 12.

[6] Strong waves and the storm surge from Hurricane Isabel knocked 30–40 houses and several motels off of their pilings.

[3] The rough waves damaged piers in Nags Head, Rodanthe, and Frisco, with three completely destroyed.

[8] Several thousand homes and businesses were damaged by the passage of the hurricane, but no deaths or injuries were reported in the Outer Banks.

The large circulation of Isabel dropped moderate rainfall across the area, peaking at 4.51 inches (115 mm) in Whiteville.

[12] In Chowan County, a business parking lot was under several feet of water due to flash flooding.

Eyewitnesses reported high velocity, waist deep water moving homes, trailers, and other objects many yards inland.

Nearly 60 percent of all homes and business in Chowan County suffered some structural damage due to wind, many of which were the result of large falling trees.

Many parts of North Carolina Highway 12 were partially washed out, damaged, or reduced one lane, which slowed recovery efforts and the return of homeowners in the Outer Banks.

This was despite opposition from coastal geologists who stated that the evolution of the Outer Banks is dependent on inlets from hurricanes.

[9] Dredging operations began on October 17, using sand from the ferry channel to the southwest of Hatteras Island; this choice minimized impact to submerged aquatic vegetation.

[10] Hardware stores experienced great demand for portable generators, chain saws, dehumidifiers, and air movers following the passage of the hurricane.

[17] Hours after Isabel made landfall, then-President George W. Bush issued a major disaster declaration for 26 North Carolina counties.

The order also allowed for the use of federal personnel, equipment and lifesaving systems and the delivery of heavy-duty generators, plastic sheeting, tents, cots, food, water, medical aid and other essential supplies and materials for sustaining human life.