Hurricane Isabel: The worst-case hurricane for Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - If you were in Virginia in 2003, you will never forget Hurricane Isabel.

It was the costliest in the state’s history, with just under $2 billion in damage across the Commonwealth.

As bad as widespread wind damage, power outages, and flooding were, we haven’t yet experienced the worst-case scenario.

On Sept. 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel swept through central Virginia, downing thousands of trees and power lines.

1.8 million people were without power and in some cases, for weeks.

Heavy rains caused flash flooding, and a storm surge of up to 9 feet caused river flooding along the James River all the way to Richmond.

What is the worst case? A hurricane that takes the track Isabel took, but comes ashore stronger.

Isabel developed on Sept. 6 and intensified rapidly, be