Question: What was the most damaging named hurricane to hit the Outer Banks?
Answer: Hurricane Isabel in 2003 stands out as the worst named hurricane to hit the Outer Banks in modern times. As a strong Category 2 storm, it made landfall near Drum Inlet, bringing 104 mph winds, 6–10 feet of storm surge, and massive waves. It carved a roughly 2,000-foot-wide breach between Frisco and Hatteras Village that isolated the area for over two months, cut utilities and N.C. 12 access, destroyed or heavily damaged homes, businesses, and piers, and caused an estimated $167-$350 million in damage in Dare County alone.
