Interesting story from our local news about Isabel. For those who remember, we were told by our locals that the storm surge would be no more than 2-3 feet (when in fact it was estimated to be at least 8, if not more). There were no evacuation warnings issued. Emergency evacualtions began at 2 am. Video is at the link.
NWS Report: Pre-Isabel Warnings Lacked Info
Nov 4, 2004 12:45 pm US/Eastern
Sterling, VA (WJZ) An internal evaluation at the National Weather Service says public warnings in advance of Tropical Storm Isabel failed to include information important to homeowners and
businesses in coastal areas.
According to the assessment released yesterday from the office in Sterling, Virginia, the warnings didn't include information about the expected time of the maximum storm surge, or specific information about evacuations or areas that would experience the worst flooding.
Meteorologist David Manning is defending the performance of his office during Isabel, but concedes it can do better.
He says the staff is re-evaluating its coastal flood program and gathering more specific information about high-water marks.
He says the information will help provide better forecasts.
The Sterling forecast office covers Baltimore, Washington, most of Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay and Northern Virginia.
Let me add, I don't fault the NWS, as the first thing I learned here was no matter what, be prepared. I do wish though, we would have known the storm surge was going to be so high, as I would have done some things that I didn't do. Oh well.