
Growing up with hurricanes
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Growing up in Bermuda, an occasional hurricane was expected, now it seems several arrive every Fall, sometimes two within a month. Yikes!
They appear to be a Cat 4 straight out of the gate in the Atlantic basin as they start to form on their path. It can be hair raising watching their track in the days leading up to the event and they always look even more terrifying on the NOAA maps or The Weather Channel (see the circle around Bermuda in the photo above). One has to prepare quickly as if it will hit the island.
Bermuda had a narrow escape after Hurricane Fiona grazed past the island in the early hours of September 23rd.
Although gusts of up to 113 mph were recorded in the west end at the height of the hurricane, damage was largely limited to downed trees and telegraph poles. Fears of three-foot high flooding and a storm surge did not materialise.
Tropical storm winds battered the island and increased to hurricane strength in the early hours as the Category 4 storm reached its closest point to Bermuda. Thankfully there were no casualties.
Then there is a massive clean up and all the hurricane emergency gear goes back into nearby storage ever ready for the next potential threat.
Years ago, when I was at a residency in New York City, I created a piece depicting the darkness of a hurricane as it slowly engulfs the island. It can be a beautiful calm sunny day hours before the storm hits.
"Hurricane" painting by Dana Cooper
You can read more about Hurricane Fiona here:
https://www.royalgazette.com/weather/news/article/20220924/fearsome-fiona-grazes-bermuda/