Hurricane Isabel struck Colonial Beach, Virginia, September 2003

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4 days ago
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Impact on Colonial Beach

The hurricane brought a storm surge of 6 to 6.5 feet, causing significant damage in the area. In Westmoreland Shores, near Colonial Beach, several homes were damaged or destroyed by the surge and accompanying wave action. Residents also reported wind damage throughout the region .

The town's marina and municipal pier were destroyed, and miles of shoreline experienced erosion. Eight homes and five restaurants, including the beloved Happy Clam, were lost. The Riverboat, a restaurant and off-track betting complex on the Potomac River, was reduced to pilings .

Recovery and Resilience

Despite the devastation, Colonial Beach demonstrated resilience in the aftermath. The town received $600,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in rebuilding efforts, which helped restore numerous buildings and businesses .

The experience of Hurricane Isabel also inspired local residents to engage in public service and community planning. For instance, Robin Schick, who was in high school during the storm, later pursued a career in public service, focusing on coastal resilience and community development .

Broader Context

Hurricane Isabel was one of the most destructive storms to hit Virginia, causing widespread power outages and significant damage across the state. The storm's impact on Colonial Beach was among the most severe, rivaling that of Hurricane Hazel in 1954.