Tropical Storm Isidore

Pre-Landfall 2 | Summary
Posting Date: September 23, 2002, 10:00:00 AM

As of 2:00 p.m. EDT, on Monday, September 23, Tropical Storm Isidore was located on the Yucatan Peninsula about 55 miles (90 km) south of Merida, Mexico. The storm made landfall around 8 p.m. EDT on Sunday, September 22, about 20 miles (30 km) east of Merida. Isidore is currently nearly stationary. A slow northwestward motion is expected to begin late today or tonight, and Isidore should reemerge over the Gulf. Once the storm is over water again, it is expected to strengthen. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 60 mph (95 kph) with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward to 200 miles (325 km). Minimum central pressure is currently estimated at 964 mb. When it came ashore, Isidore was the strongest hurricane to hit the Yucatan Peninsula since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Winds of more than 120 mph (193 kph) ripped off roofs, toppled power lines, and uprooted trees. Powerful storm surges and torrential rains flooded low-lying areas. Some 70,000 people were evacuated from villages and more than 8,000 workers from oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. The AIR hurricane team will continue to monitor events in the area and will post additional information about Isidore as the situation warrants.

Pre-Landfall 2 | Downloads
Posting Date: September 23, 2002, 10:00:00 AM