Hurricane Isabel is a hurricane no more. The cyclone was downgraded to a tropical storm Thursday night, as it slammed into the U.S. capital, toppling trees and knocking out power.

As Hurricane Isabel toppled trees across Central Virginia, most people hunkered down inside their homes or community shelters. Others, however, braved the elements to help neighbors in need.

Virginia Beach is normally a sun-drenched destination for tourists and locals alike. But in September 2003, an unwanted guest — Hurricane Isabel — was making reservations to crash into the coast.

It was still unknown where Isabel may hit, but the storm was a Category 4. It was moving toward the west-northwest at about 12 mph, and hurricane-force winds extended up to 90 miles from its center.