Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River. 1 mile south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Virginia was slammed by the forces of Hurricane Isabel. Almost all boats had been removed from the marina prior to the storm. The marina had a strange look without boats. On Sept 18,2003 Isabel moved in. A storm surge raised the waters at least 4 feet above the paved road in the marina. At least 7 feet above high tide. Debris and wind took their toll. The marina office is a former gas station that sat upon the GW Parkway near Belle Haven. It dates from the 1930's. It had some damage but sadly it was finally condemned and was razed.  The marina has opened a new trailer for a office and is back in business. The Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. It offers boating access to the Potomac River for Sailors, Power Boaters, Windsurfers and Kayakers alike making it a special place for all.
Before the Storm 9-16-03 

Before The Storm                                  During The Storm                Sailboat  "Newfie Girl" on trailer as Isabel moves in
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After the storm  To the south                    The Office Stands                         Debris 3 feet off pavement
"Newfie Girl"  floated off to the woods. Her trailer is in the center partly  underwater
The Belle Haven area had much water damage. The water was 3 feet deep in the streets and residents had to leave their homes.. This view is from the Belle View Shopping Center about 1/3 mile from the marina
The streets near the marina. Many homes and cars had water damage.