Impact
Isabel produced a storm surge along the New Jersey coastline of up to 6.5 feet (2 m) in Cape May. Higher amounts occurred along the Delaware River, peaking in the state at 10.6 feet (3.2 m) in Burlington. At its closest approach, Isabel passed within about 215 miles (350 km) of the state, and as a result the outer rainbands produced light rainfall. Wildwood along the southeast coast reported 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Lincoln Park in the northern portion of the state recorded 2.07 inches (52 mm) of precipitation. The large wind field of the hurricane produced moderate winds across the state. A shoal in the Delaware Bay experienced sustained winds of 54 mph (87 km/h) with gusts to 71 mph (114 km/h). Cape May reported tropical storm force winds with gusts to 61 mph (98 km/h), while Newark in the northern portion of the state experienced gusts to 44 mph (71 km/h).
Hurricane Isabel produced slightly above normal tides and rough surf along the Jersey shore, killing one surfer off of Wildwood Crest. The combination of gusty winds and the heavy surf produced moderate beach erosion along much of the coastline, primarily to beaches facing southeastward. In the Delaware Bay and River area, no significant erosion was reported, though coastal flooding from the hurricane washed out a road and destroyed the deck of a house in Baypoint. In Cape May County waves eroded the beaches by up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in Ocean City and Avalon, with several cities experiencing a loss of dunes and geotubes in Whale Beach being exposed. Waves from Isabel in Atlantic County resulted in light damage, minor coastal flooding, and slight beach erosion. The beaches of southern Ocean County experienced a loss of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 m) of sand, while locations further to the north experienced only minor erosion. Most coastal areas of Monmouth County reported eroded beaches by up to 4 feet (1.2 m), with Union Beach losing about 5,000 sq. feet (465 sq. m) of sand.
Moderate wind gusts throughout the state downed hundreds of trees, tree limbs, and power lines. Over 382,000 people were without power, one of the worst power outages on record for area utilities. Downed trees and power lines closed major streets and schools in Union County. One downed tree greatly damaged a house in Middletown, and in Hudson County several trees fell onto and damaged cars. A downed tree in Englewood injured a woman when she was struck, and a woman in Independence Township was killed when a fallen tree landed on the vehicle she was driving. Strong winds from Isabel blew out the windows in an office building in East Rutherford, causing injuries to two women when they were struck. Throughout the state, damage totaled to about $50 million (2003 USD, $59 million 2008 USD).
Read more about this topic: Effects Of Hurricane Isabel In New Jersey
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