Hurricane Gonzalo and Hurricane Fabian

Hurricane Fabian 2003  (Source: NOAA)

Although the past two seasons have featured below average activity in the tropics, all it takes is one storm to cause catastrophic effects. Such is the case with Hurricane Gonzalo. Gonzalo, the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Ophelia in 2011, is expected to arrive in Bermuda this evening.  Since Bermuda is farther North, it doesn’t usually experience direct impacts from tropical systems but sometimes experiences fringe effects from storms as they head Northward and out to sea. That’s what makes the threat from a major hurricane like Gonzalo especially significant.

A Category 4 storm, Gonzalo may weaken to a Category 3 before effecting Bermuda tonight. Even at Category 3 intensity, Gonzalo will be the strongest storm to hit Bermuda since Fabian in 2003. Fabian caused major damage on the island and the fear is Gonzalo will cause similar damage.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are also rare in Hawaii.  Just below hurricane strength, Tropical Storm Ana is nearing the Hawaiian Islands and will bring gusty winds and heavy rain through tomorrow.  Ana may reach minimal hurricane intensity (with sustained winds of at least 74 mph) but the effects on the Hawaiian Islands would be the same with heavy rains and gusty winds. 

 

Ana is actually the second tropical system to affect Hawaii this season after Iselle caused major damage in August.  So the combination of a major hurricane (Gonzalo) having a direct impact on Bermuda combined with two tropical systems effecting Hawaii in the same season is an exceptionally rare occurrence.

1992 was also a quiet hurricane season but featured one catastrophic storm, Andrew.  Even during a below average hurricane season, it only takes one storm to make it a damaging and deadly season.