Hurricane Fabian – 2003

Reproduced courtesy of BF&M from Annual Report 2003

THE PROGRESS OF THE STORM

Fabian was spawned in the eastern Atlantic on August 27th. At 5 pm BDS the National Hurricane Center, Miami Florida designated a surface low pressure located near 14.6N 31.5W as Tropical Depression No 10. The storm grew quickly being upgraded to a category 4 (Saffir Simpson Scale winds between 114-135 kt or 131-155 mph) hurricane on September 1st. 

Initial projections forecast Fabian to move to the north passing between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda. However, further forecasts showed the projected track creeping closer to Bermuda. On Thursday September 4th a Hurricane Watch was issued at 6 am closely followed by a Hurricane Warning at 11.30 am. Fabian was forecast to make a direct hit on Friday the 5th. Winds reached Small Craft Warning status by early evening on the 4th

September 5th – At 9.33 am tropical storm strength winds (34 kt or 39 mph and greater) were recorded by the Bermuda Weather Service. By 2.11 pm hurricane strength winds of 63 knots (72.5 mph) were recorded at the airport. Within minutes the winds reached 75 knots (86 mph) with gusts to 86 knots (99 mph). Strong winds, rain, blowing sea spray and heavy surf reduced visibility and pounded the island into the evening. 

The highest winds recorded were 102 kts (117 mph) with gusts of 110 kts (126.5 mph), before the mast at Bermuda Harbour Radio’s Fort George site, from which the recordings were being taken, was knocked down at 4.35 pm.

In all probability winds reached higher speeds, with readings from other sites and estimates putting the strength at approximately 105 kts (121 mph) with gusts of 115 kts (132 mph). The strongest winds lasted between 3-4 hours. The eye of Fabian passed just west of Bermuda. 

The Storm Surge on the 5th was recorded at the airport as being between 6-8 feet

As Fabian moved away from Bermuda on the 6th, conditions eased with winds reducing to just small craft advisory strength and skies were mostly sunny. 

On the 7th sunny skies prevailed as the winds continued to lighten.

Fabian became extratropical on September 8th approximately 585 miles east of Cape Race, Newfoundland.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT SAFFIR-SIMPSON CATEGORY 3 & 4 MEANS

Category 3 hurricane

– winds 111-130 mph (178-209 km/hr; 96-113 kts)

Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large trees blown down. Terrain may be flooded inland. Previous example - Hurricane which struck Bermuda October 22, 1926.

Category 4 hurricane

– winds 131-155 mph (210-249 km/hr; 114-135 kts)

More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland. Previous example – Hurricane Hugo, North Carolina, 1989

(note – definitions adapted for local circumstances)