Bermuda has a long history of experiencing some of the most powerful storms recorded. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this island is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms that bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and significant damage.
These storms have shaped the resilience and preparedness of its residents.
What are the biggest storms to ever hit Bermuda? This article will provide a look at the ten most significant storms that left lasting impacts on the island.
From historical hurricanes to more recent events, these storms are remembered for their intensity and the challenges they posed to Bermuda.
1. Hurricane Emily (1987)
Hurricane Emily struck Bermuda in September 1987. It was a powerful storm with winds exceeding 112 mph.
The hurricane caused extensive damage, with 230 buildings losing their roofs.
Emily was the first hurricane to hit the Caribbean Sea since Hurricane Katrina in 1981. The storm ended a long period without hurricanes in the region.
In Bermuda, the hurricane caused $50 million in damage. Despite the severity, no lives were lost, though 16 people were injured.
Hurricane Emily also had the second-fastest forward speed of a 20th-century hurricane, just behind the 1938 New England hurricane. You can learn more about it here.
2. Hurricane Gert (2017)
Hurricane Gert was one of the notable hurricanes of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season.
It formed from a tropical wave that left the coast of Africa on August 3. Gert gradually gained strength and was classified as a tropical depression by August 12.
As Gert moved over the western Atlantic Ocean, it intensified into a Category 2 hurricane. The storm remained over open waters and did not make landfall. It passed roughly midway between Bermuda and the southeastern coast of the United States.
Though it did not hit Bermuda directly, Hurricane Gert still caused significant effects.
The hurricane generated heavy surf and strong rip currents along the East Coast of the United States.
Further details about Gert’s meteorological history and impact can be found on its Wikipedia page.
3. Hurricane Humberto (2019)
Hurricane Humberto struck Bermuda with significant force in September 2019. It was recorded as a Category 3 hurricane.
This storm brought sustained winds of up to 110 mph (175 km/h) to the island.
Bermuda experienced severe wind damage during the event. Approximately 600 buildings had their roofs damaged. The northern and western areas of the island were hit the hardest.
The storm caused extensive wind damage and battering surf. Bermuda entered the southern eyewall of the hurricane, bringing even stronger gusts.
Waves rocked cargo containers in Hamilton, illustrating the storm’s intensity. Hurricane Humberto serves as a reminder of the island’s vulnerability to powerful hurricanes.
4. Hurricane Gonzalo (2014)
Hurricane Gonzalo was a powerful storm that struck Bermuda in October 2014. It was the first Category 4 Atlantic hurricane to hit since Hurricane Ophelia in 2011. Gonzalo made landfall less than a week after Hurricane Fay.
With winds reaching up to 145 mph, Gonzalo brought significant damage. It caused widespread power outages and downed many power lines. Buildings and homes across the island suffered damage due to the storm’s strength.
Hurricane Gonzalo was one of the costliest hurricanes to impact Bermuda. It resulted in damages estimated between $200-400 million.
Despite the destruction, no fatalities were reported. This made it less deadly compared to past hurricanes like Hurricane Fabian, which killed four people in 2003. More information can be found on Wikipedia.
5. Hurricane Fabian (2003)
Hurricane Fabian was a powerful storm that impacted Bermuda in early September 2003.
It developed from a tropical wave in the Atlantic Ocean on August 25. By September 5, it had made landfall on the island with winds reaching 120 mph.
Fabian was the first major hurricane to hit Bermuda since Hurricane Emily in 1987. The storm caused significant damage to the island’s infrastructure and led to the reopening of Bermuda’s International Airport on September 8.
This storm was also notable for causing storm-related deaths, a rare occurrence in Bermuda’s history.
Fabian’s strong winds and storm surge resulted in extensive property damage and disrupted life on the island for weeks.
For more details, visit the Hurricane Fabian Wikipedia page.
6. Hurricane Nicole (2016)
Hurricane Nicole hit Bermuda in October 2016 and was one of the strongest storms to impact the island in recent history.
Nicole was a major hurricane, reaching Category 3 status with winds over 115 mph. It was the most powerful hurricane to strike Bermuda since Hurricane Fabian in 2003.
The hurricane caused significant damage, including widespread power outages and structural damage to buildings. Despite the intensity, there were no reports of fatalities.
A hurricane warning was issued 42 hours before Nicole’s arrival, allowing residents and authorities to prepare.
The island experienced heavy rain and strong winds, leading to flooding and road closures.
Nicole’s impact on Bermuda highlighted the island’s vulnerability to powerful storms, even with advanced warning systems in place.
7. Hurricane Florence (2018)
Hurricane Florence, notable for its impact on the Carolinas, also threatened Bermuda.
Florence was a powerful Cape Verde hurricane that formed in early September 2018. It reached Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, displaying maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Although Bermuda was not directly hit, the island experienced strong winds and high waves.
The Bermuda Weather Service kept close watch as Florence passed to the south of the island.
Florence’s proximity to Bermuda caused concern, but the island escaped major damage. The storm’s large wind field led to precautions and preparations on the island.
Learn more about Hurricane Florence and its extensive impact here.
8. Hurricane Bill (2009)
Hurricane Bill was a significant storm in 2009. Forming from a tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic on August 15, it soon grew into a large Atlantic hurricane.
Bill reached Category 4 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, making it a major hurricane.
Although it didn’t make a direct hit, it passed over 200 miles from Bermuda.
Despite the distance, Bill brought tropical-storm-force winds to the island. These winds caused minor damage and disrupted normal activities.
You can read more about Hurricane Bill’s details in the National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Cyclone Report.
9. Hurricane Igor (2010)
Hurricane Igor was a notable storm that heavily impacted Bermuda in September 2010. Classified as a Category 1 hurricane when it passed near Bermuda, Igor brought strong winds and significant weather disruptions to the island.
Winds reached a sustained 91 mph, with gusts up to 117 mph. The storm’s center passed roughly 40 miles to the west of Bermuda, bringing hurricane-force winds to the area.
Igor’s expansive size caused tropical-storm-force winds to extend about 300 n mi from the center, affecting a large area around Bermuda.
As the storm moved past, waves and storm surges contributed to coastal damage and flooding.
Despite not making a direct hit, Hurricane Igor still had a significant impact on Bermuda, causing power outages and property damage.
10. Hurricane Harvey (1999)
Hurricane Harvey struck Bermuda in August 1999. This tropical storm’s winds were strong but not as destructive as other major storms.
The storm brought heavy rain, resulting in some flooding across the island. Though the winds were less intense compared to other hurricanes, they still caused moderate damage.
Several buildings and homes experienced roof damage. Power outages were widespread but the community quickly worked to restore services.
Harvey’s visit to Bermuda reminded locals of the importance of storm preparedness.
Historical Overview of Hurricanes in Bermuda
Bermuda’s history with hurricanes dates back centuries. Early storms had a tremendous impact on the island, and advancements in technology have significantly improved the tracking and preparedness for these formidable weather events.
Impact of Early Storms
In the 1600s, Bermuda experienced its first recorded hurricane when an English ship, the “Sea Venture” ran aground during a storm in 1609. This event marked the initial colonization of the island.
Another significant storm, known as “The Great Hurricane” in 1780, drove 50 ships ashore and caused widespread devastation, tearing down houses and uprooting trees.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, hurricanes continued to impact Bermuda. The storm of 1793 inflicted severe damage, stripping roofs off buildings such as the Court House and Government House. Frequent storms during these centuries highlighted the need for robust preparedness and better construction practices.
Technological Advancements in Tracking
With the advent of modern technology, hurricane tracking has significantly improved.
Initially, tracking relied on local observations and reports. The Bermuda Weather Service now uses satellite data, computer models, and advanced radar technology to monitor storm development.
This leap in technology has enabled more accurate predictions and timely warnings, reducing the damage and loss of life compared to earlier centuries.
For example, hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo in recent years were monitored closely, helping the island brace for their impacts.
Technological innovations have also enhanced the ability to study past storms, contributing to a deeper understanding of hurricane patterns and behaviors specific to Bermuda.
This knowledge has been instrumental in refining emergency response strategies and infrastructure resilience.
Meteorological Factors of Bermuda’s Hurricanes
Bermuda’s hurricanes are influenced by its geographic location and changing climate patterns.
Geographic Vulnerabilities
Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the U.S. coast. This places it in the path of many Atlantic hurricanes.
The island’s small size and low elevation make it highly exposed to storm surges and high winds. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream also provides warm waters that fuel hurricane intensity.
Being isolated in the ocean, Bermuda often has limited natural barriers against storms.
The island’s position often subjects it to powerful hurricanes that form around the Caribbean and the Atlantic. As a result, the island experiences frequent and sometimes severe hurricanes.
Climate Patterns Influencing Storms
Climate patterns such as the Bermuda High affect the frequency and intensity of hurricanes.
The Bermuda High, a high-pressure system, can steer storms toward or away from the island. When this system is strong, it can push hurricanes along a path that intersects with Bermuda. Weaker systems may allow storms to curve away, reducing impact.
Additionally, rising global temperatures due to climate change are intensifying hurricanes.
Warmer sea surfaces lead to more energy for storms. This increase in temperature can result in stronger and more frequent hurricanes.
Recent studies show a correlation between higher global temperatures and increased hurricane intensity around Bermuda.
Socio-Economic Consequences
Storms in Bermuda have had profound economic impacts and serious social and health effects. These consequences affect not only the immediate aftermath of a storm but also ripple through the community for years.
Economic Impact
Hurricanes greatly damage infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and public buildings.
For instance, Hurricane Fabian in 2003 caused an estimated $300 million in damage.
The cost of repairs and reconstruction drains financial resources.
Tourism, a key part of Bermuda’s economy, is also severely impacted.
Flights and cruises get canceled, and tourists avoid the island for months, leading to revenue loss.
Insurance costs rise significantly after severe storms.
Property owners face heightened premiums. Small businesses often struggle to recover, leading to permanent closures and job losses.
Social and Health Effects
Storms disrupt daily life, sometimes for extended periods.
Basic services like water, electricity, and medical care may become unavailable.
This leads to increased stress and anxiety among residents as they struggle with necessities and rebuilding efforts.
Health issues can escalate post-hurricanes due to contaminated water and limited access to healthcare.
Respiratory problems may arise from mold growth in damaged buildings.
Mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), become more common.
Educational disruptions occur as schools get damaged or serve as shelters.
This affects student performance and overall education quality.
Community cohesion also suffers when neighborhoods are heavily hit, impacting social support systems and increasing isolation for some individuals.