Hurricane Fabian

Hurricane Fabian was one of the strongest and most damaging tropical cyclones on record to affect Bermuda, when it passed just west of the North Atlantic island in September 2003. The hurricane originated from a tropical wave that left western Africa, and developed into Tropical Depression Ten on August 27. On the next day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) upgraded it to Tropical Storm Fabian, the sixth named storm of the annual Atlantic hurricane season. It moved west-northwestward under the influence of the subtropical ridge to its north, and steadily strengthened in an area of warm sea surface temperatures and light wind shear. Within 18 hours of attaining hurricane status, Fabian became a major hurricane, the first of the season. The hurricane attained a peak intensity of 145 mph (233 km/h) on September 1, and it slowly weakened as it turned northward. On September 5, Fabian made a direct hit on Bermuda with wind speeds of over 120 mph (190 km/h). After passing the island, the hurricane turned to the northeast, and became extratropical on September 8, before dissipating two days later.

Fabian was the strongest hurricane to hit Bermuda since Hurricane Arlene in 1963. It was the first deadly hurricane in Bermuda since satellites began tracking hurricanes. A strong storm surge associated with the hurricane killed four people crossing a causeway on Bermuda, temporarily closing the only link between two islands. Fabian's powerful winds caused power outages and damaged roofs throughout the island. There was a shortage of material for the traditional limestone roofs, as well as supplies to restore electricity. The habitat of the endangered Bermuda petrel, better known as the cahow, was disrupted by the hurricane, leading volunteer to transport the species to a safer location. Strong swells killed a swimmer in Puerto Rico and North Carolina, while also causing damage in the northern Dominican Republic. A ship capsized in the Grand Banks, south of Island, killing three people. In all, Fabian caused around US$300 million in damage and nine deaths.