 By 4 days before Isabel made landfall , most computer models predicted Isabel to make landfall between North Carolina and New Jersey , and the National Hurricane Center consistently forecast a landfall on North Carolina . Initially , forecasters predicted a landfall in the northeastern portion of the state , though as the hurricane neared land the predicted landfall position was much closer to where it ultimately was . From three days in advance , the average track forecast error for its landfall was only 36 miles ( 58 km ) , and for 48 hours in advance the average track error was 18 miles ( 29 km ) . Strong confidence in Isabel 's final landfall prompted the National Hurricane Center to issue a hurricane watch for the entire North Carolina coastline about 50 hours before Isabel struck land . 38 hours before the hurricane made landfall , the National Hurricane Center upgraded the watch to a hurricane warning for the landfall area . The Newport Weather Forecast Office issued a flood potential statement two days before landfall , which indicated a threat for flash flooding . The office began preparing for the hurricane one week before landfall , and brought additional staff members to assist with hurricane related duties . 
