Not quite a bust, but could have been if it werent for the saturated tree
roots. Really the winds were not all that strong, except in gusts.
Isabel was a large storm in size. When it died to a CAT2 storm, it
actually expanded its windfield a whole lot, hence all the great damage. If
it came in as a Cat 5, the coast would probably not even exist, but it would
have died harder and quicker, the wind field not as large, but still strong
enuff to affect inland areas fairly well. I bet it would have been slightly
worse well inland if it came in as CAT5 or 4. Yet, again, the trees were
the main issue here as they were already weakened, so maybe it would be a
lot worse b/c of trees crashing thats all.

After all set and done, I give it an 8 out of 10 stars. It kind of
impressed me and yes, i underestimated her. THe power outages were
phenominal! Most impressive! Go Isabel!
95% of the area without lights for almost 2 weeks

"gardenia" wrote in message
m...
my daughter in law who lives in westmoreland county expects to be without
power, water & phone for another 15 days.


TylrN wrote:
It seems Isabel did a number on coastal Virginia. I have relatives
still without power and telephone service there.

Niki
http://www.nikianntaylor.com