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Maryland's recent hurricane history

Posted at 4:15 PM, Sep 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-30 16:15:23-04

To view the latest track of Hurricane Joaquin, click here

As Hurricane Joaquin churns in the Atlantic with forecasted tracks headed for Maryland, we take a look back at Maryland's previous hurricanes. 

Many residents of Maryland and even forecasters have begun to compare the storm to Hurricane Isabel, which hit Maryland on September 17, 2003. 

While Joaquin's impact is impossible to predict right now, it would be noted there will be an effect on Maryland.  If the story holds true to what forecasters have said and it maintains a status as an Isabel-like storm, the following should be noted:

* Hurricane Isabel tracked south and then west into the state

* Hurricane Isabel caused moderate to severe damage in many areas

* Along the Eastern Shore, a storm surge peaked at 8 feet

* The Chesapeake Bay side of Hoopers Island and Ocean City saw storm surges of 6.5 feet

* Isabel carried sustained winds of 52 mph and gusts as high as 66 mph.

* More than 1.4 million people lost power in Maryland

* There was one death attributed to Hurricane Isabel and 200 injuries

* Isabel caused more than $500 million in damages 

 

Maryland's recent hurricane history

September 3, 2010 – Hurricane Earl: brought heavy rain and tropical storm force winds to Southeastern Maryland and Ocean City. 

August 27, 2011 – Hurricane Irene: due to the size of the storm, areas as far inland as Frederick were impacted, though the storm did not make landfall. Wind gusts were as high as 85 mph. Central Maryland saw 3-5 inches of rain and gusts of wind that took down trees and power lines. More than 200,000 people in Maryland lost power.

October 29, 2012 – Hurricane Sandy: nicknamed Superstorm Sandy due to its size,  effects were felt all over Maryland and surrounding areas. Sustained winds reached 60 mph. Piers and boardwalks were washed away. The storm has been coined the deadliest tropical cyclone to impact the state, causing 11 deaths.

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