5 PM UPDATE, DISCUSSION, AND ADVICE ON ISABEL

[WXBUFFJIM]

5 PM ADVISORY

Very dangerous hurricane Isabel continues to approach the east coast of the United States. Preparations should begin along the eastern seaboard and all persons along the east coast should monitor this system very closely throughout the upcoming week.

At 5 PM EDT, the center of dangerous hurricane Isabel was located near latitude 24.1 north, longitude 67.4 west or about 320 miles east northeast of the turks and caicos islands.

Movement was towards the west northwest at 13 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph with higher gusts. This makes Isabel a very dangerous and strong category 4 hurricane on the saffir simpson hurricane scale. Fluctuations in intensity are expected in major hurricanes and such will be the case for the next 24 hours. Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds of 131-155 mph. If winds are at or above 156 mph, then the hurricane is classified as a category 5 on the saffir simpson scale.

Isabel is a large and very destructive hurricane with a large wind field. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 100 miles from the center while tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles.

Minimum central pressure is 933 mb or 27.55 inches as reported by the hurricane hunter aircraft.

ADVICE AND PREPARATION PROCEDURES

Since Isabel will threaten and likely make landfall later this week along the eastern seaboard, preparation and possible evacuations may become neccessary. While Isabel is 3 days away from approaching the Mid Atlantic coast, now is a good time to review your disaster plans and be ready to implement that plan as neccessary. Check your insurance to make sure you have the adequate coverage needed in case your home or business is damaged or destroyed by winds or water. Have flashlights and battery powered appliances on hand such as a battery powered radio or a battery powered NOAA WX radio to keep updated on the progress of Isabel just in case electricity is lost to your home or business. Keep a supply of non perishable foods and beverages that can last for several days time. Also keep cooking tools and a can opener handy. Keep extra hygiene items on hand. If you're on medication, have extra prescriptions available.

If you live in a coastal area, decide right now where you will go in the event you are ordered to evacuate. If you plan to go to a shelter, you will have to make other arrangements for your pets. Storm shelters usually do not accept animals. Know your best evacuation route before the storm strikes. The sooner these preparations are done, the better!!!

Based on the current forecast track, all hazards are expected with this hurricane including very dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, flooding rains, and certainly the potential of extensive damage is there from NC up to VA and MD. Beyond that, Isabel while weaker could still have a significant impact from northern Maryland into Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and preparations to protect your life and property should begin in all these areas. Have a plan of action in place as thoug this is the worse case scenario and implement that plan as conditions warrant.

Further updates will be given on evacs as well as watches and warnings as we get them. In the meantime, preparation is key!!!

[rainstorm]

great advice for everyone