TOVSAR

Top of Virginia Search and Rescue

info@TOVSAR.org

Hurricane Isabel

September 18-19, 2003

18 September

The members of TOVSAR find themselves with a front-row seat as we watch Hurricane Isabel approach. Over the past 48 hours, we've been in touch with VDEM and neighboring SAR teams to keep everyone apprised of our ability to respond; we've reminded Police and Sheriff's offices in our immediate area that we're available; we've secured our own families and homes and farms and businesses, and checked our gear. Now we wait. This is a log of our experiences.

1200 hrs - Our rope equipment is transferred to Gainesboro FD (Frederick County to support the swift water response team at Gainesboro FD during the storm.

1611 hrs - Rain has been falling off and on since noon. Now it's steady and heavy. Local radar shows we've had almost an inch of rain. Winds are 18 mpg gusting to 28. The projected track of the storm will bring it right over Shenandoah and Frederick Counties overnight and tomorrow morning.

2124 hrs - Flash flood warning issued for Shenandoah and surrounding counties at 2038 hours. Winds at 30 mph with gusts to 41 mph. Rainfalls over 1" but 4"+ south of us. Reports of cars off the road, trees down. 

2340 hrs - TOVSAR members begin to join 1.5 million other Virginians and North Carolinians without electrical power. Estimates range from one to seven days to restore power, particularly in rural homes.

19 September

0200 hrs - National Weather Service reports the center of the storm at 38.3^oN, 78.4^o W or about Stanardsville in Greene County, heading north at 24 mph.

0500 hrs - National Weather Service reports the center of the storm at 39.2^oN, 78.7^oW or near Rio, West Virginia (the Hardy-Hampshire County line).

Our GPS unit was loaned to the Clarke County Career Medic standing by at Shenandoah Farm Fire & Rescue Co.. It was used to guide a helicopter in to transport a burn victim to Fairfax. Roads where closed because of flooding.

0915 hrs - power is restored, entire area still under a flood warning due to rising streams and main stem rivers. One drowning in Harrisonburg, numerous swiftwater rescues in the area.

1600 hrs - rain and winds have ceased. Most flooding has receded. No reports of missing persons or other requests for our assistance. TOVSAR standing down.