It was 1609. There was no GPS, no coast guard and no way to track the winds. Hundreds of miles off course, the 300-ton flagship of the London Company was battered for three days and four nights after cruising into the “dangerous quarter of the storm, at about 33 degrees north latitude”.

In command of the journey from Plymouth, England to Jamestown, Virginia were some of Britain’s finest seamen: among them Admiral Sir George Somers, a war hero dubbed “lion at sea”; Captain Christopher Newport, an experienced New World sailor on his fourth journey to Jamestown; and Sir Thomas Gates, appointed to be the governor of the Jamestown colony by King James.

The Atlantic storm that hit them on July 24 was a new danger for them all.

“A hell of darkness turned black upon us,” is how Strachey, an English writer whose works are among the primary sources for the early history of the English colonisation of North America, laid out the ordeal in a letter which is believed to have inspired William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The Chesapeake Research Consortium, a US nonprofit, drew on the letter for its 2005 retelling where it describes how Captain Newport “ran before the gale” hoping to save the ship. The move left them “trapped in the strongest winds swirling about the eye and spiralling towards the centre”.

The monster storm overwhelmed them completely. Waves “as high as mountains” broke over the ship, “swelling and roaring as if in fits, covering the ship from stern to stem, like a garment”. Lightning crackled and the ghostly lights of St Elmo’s fire leapt between the masts.

“Six and sometimes eight men were not enough to hold the whipstaff in the steerage, or the tiller below in the gunner room: by which may be imagined the strength of the storm, in which the sea swelled above the clouds and gave battle unto heaven,” Strachey wrote.

“The violent wrenching literally worked the caulking out of Sea Venture’s seams; the crew was sent creeping below decks with candles to look for leaks and staunch them with anything at hand.”

According to Strachey, although a massive leak in the gunner’s room was stuffed with “I know not how many pieces of beef”, it wasn’t enough; the waters kept rising, presumably because of holes that couldn’t be found.

All of the ship’s 30 seamen and its 120 passengers — many of whom had never been to sea —got to work bailing.

“The water was five feet deep above the ship’s ballast. A huge rogue wave — an unpredictable and abnormally large surface wave — completely buried the ship from her forecastle over the entire waist or central decks. The crew thought the ship was so long submerged that she would simply sink, but slowly Sea Venture laboured up again, still floating.”

Sparks at the rigging added to the terror of the wind, the dark, the huge waves and the rain.

“For four-and-twenty hours the storm in a restless tumult had blown so exceedingly as we could not apprehend in our imaginations any possibility of greater violence…the waters like whole rivers did flood the air…winds and seas were as mad as fury and rage could make them.”

According to Strachey, even though they were removing about 100 tons of water six times a day, the water in the ship’s hull remained ten feet deep.

“Every hour, the passengers bucketed 7,200 to 8,000 gallons of water overboard and they had three deep pumps in continual operation pumping 4,000 strokes at each four-hour watch.”

By July 28, the fourth morning, everyone was close to exhaustion and agreed to simply “shut up the hatches” come nightfall and “commend their sinful souls to God”, having “committed the ship to the mercy of the gale”.

“Prayers might well be in the heart and lips,” Strachey wrote, “but [they were] drowned in the outcries.”

Around midday, they noticed that the water level had “growne five feet deepe above the ballast”, Strachey said. Men were floating rather than walking, it was obvious to everyone that the Sea Venture was going down.

At the exact moment “when no man dreamed of such happiness” Admiral Somers spotted land.

It was so close that he could see the trees swaying.

“But the seafloor, rising quickly beneath them, threatened to split the ship before they could reach shore. Calling on every skill, Somers steered hard, veering between two outcropping rocks. The ship wedged fast and splintered. Sea Venture was destroyed,” wrote Nick D’Alto on Historynet’s The Hurricane that Saved Jamestown.

“It must have seemed like a miracle. Braving the breakers in longboats, everyone was able to make it to shore. Passenger John Rolfe’s wife, ‘who was with childe’, was probably carried into the boat. A resourceful mate even rescued the admiral’s dog. Despite the potentially murderous storm, there had been no fatalities among roughly 150 aboard.”

This miraculous escape, with the ship succumbing close to a tiny area of land in the middle of the vast North Atlantic, proved the start of Bermuda’s history as an inhabited island. And perhaps no story better sums up Bermuda’s motto, “Quo fata ferunt” — whither the fates carry us.

The post Storm that started it all appeared first on RG Magazines.

Gorham’s the hardware and building supplies business based on St John’s Road, Pembroke, has a long history of ensuring generations of Bermudians have had what they need to ride out ferocious storms successfully.

Gorham’s offers a  convenient card that lists essential items for hurricane preparation, which is available at the customer service desk. But even the seasoned professionals at Gorham’s have to be reminded of some essentials.

“The least thought-about item when it comes to hurricanes is tennis balls,” Andrew Mackay, general manager of Gorham’s Ltd, said. We Bermudians know how to use them to block the drains on our roofs, to prevent vegetation and salt spray from getting into our tanks.

The team at Gorham’s prepares thoroughly to be regarded as a one-stop-shop for hurricane supplies. They even transform the layout of the store to be “hurricane central” with smaller, essential items near the front.

They want to ensure that they have what Bermuda needs without running out. Ask any local about where to go to get hurricane supplies, and you’ll most likely get: “Just go to Gorham’s.” As the supplier for everyone, from homeowner to the Department of Works and Engineering, they have the most stock. From gloves, chainsaws, hard hats, tarps, and plywood to rope, buckets, coolers, water, first aid kits, and radios, you truly can find everything you might need.

Their hours are convenient, they’re in a central location and have a staff ready to work as soon as it’s safe again after a storm.

“Our goal isn’t necessarily to have the best price on everything,” Mr Mackay said. “It’s the nature of the beast. However, we aim to have enough diversity and depth of product that you can secure your home and be safe, quickly getting your purchases and heading home to secure your premises.”

They are proud to be known as reliable and having the most useful items in stock when they are needed the most. “If someone needs 30 pairs of gloves or four bundles of plywood, we can supply it without running out,” Mr Mackay said. They are there when everyone needs them.

Gorham’s is affiliated with several major suppliers capable of meeting the spike in demand when a hurricane is looming, and they understand the urgency. Being on standby for hurricane season is the norm. Gorham’s’ hurricane experience, resources, and connections make it possible to have items quickly sent to the island. On arrival, they are moved off the docks as quickly as possible, onto the shelves, and into the hands of the customers who need them.

“Communication is important,” Mr Mackay said. “And we do our best to inform the stevedores team on the Hamilton docks, the shipping lines, and the trucking companies. Everyone realises the importance of hurricane supplies, and everyone is connected. While not considered an essential service provider during a pandemic, we are a priority in the arena for potential natural disaster.”

You will find a hurricane supply list at Gorham’s’ main store, through the Bermuda Government’s website, or through your insurance agency.  Better yet, you might just listen to some good “old-timers” who know what to do.

When the season starts however, it’s best to act early and build your kit.

“People typically only make purchases if there’s an actual emergency and everyone generally buys at the last minute,” Mr Mackay said. If you purchase your supplies ahead of time, you can avoid the rush. As the saying goes, the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.

As you’ve probably guessed, tarpaulins, batteries, and duct tape are the first things people look for. Gorham’s carries a variety of everything to meet everyone’s needs. Board games, disposable plates, cups and cutlery, flashlights, battery-operated fans and small propane BBQ’s  — these items are easy to store and can be on hand so that you aren’t caught by surprise.

Given the likelihood of power cuts in a storm’s aftermath, generators are also a big seller, while air-conditioning systems or fans during the summer months are an added benefit during this season, while obviously reliant on a working electricity supply.

“People will also purchase large bottles of water, even though we collect the water from our roofs,” Anne Lindo, the purchasing manager at Gorham’s, said.  It’s true – water is used for drinking, washing, cooking, and cleaning, but we might not trust what is in our tanks. Especially if we forgot to buy the essential tennis balls.

Here is a short list of steps to take and supplies to get in order to ride out the storm:

• Make a plan, review it, practise it, and use a checklist to keep yourself well equipped and aware
• Stock up on medications
• Ensure your insurance policies, for example covering your home, boat, car and home contents, are up to date
• Non-perishable food for up to three days. Don’t forget the manual can opener
• Batteries, gas, portable stove
• Fully-stocked ifrst-aid kit
• Generator
• Pet supplies
• Games and books to stay sane
• Tools
• Sufficient sanitation items, such as toilet paper, feminine products, soap and detergent
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Keep important paperwork in waterproof containers
• Special personal needs items such as diapers and formula for a baby, glasses or contact lenses when necessary
• Change of clothing
• Gas in the car or bike
• Cash

The post Resilience comes from preparation appeared first on RG Magazines.

One of our neighbours showed up with a chainsaw, as soon as the wind subsided. Several others wandered up with their brute strength. One thing led to another, and the massive tree section was cleared from our driveway in no time.

I remember lifting the cut pieces of that tree – it was not light! Our neighbours, however, made remarkably light work of it.

This is what it means to be a Bermudian after a storm. If we are able-bodied, we get out and make sure that we all made it through the chaos unscathed. Then we help each other to clear up, or give avocados to those in need, or provide hot meals for folks who don’t have electricity yet … the list, of course, is exhaustive.

Lovitta Foggo, MP for Constituency 3 (St David’s), has always tried to help where she could during hurricane season.

“For me, especially with seniors and those in need, I have helped by providing hurricane supplies, such as LED lamps, batteries, and non-perishable foods; making sure those who did not have the means were adequately supplied with such,” Ms Foggo said.

“I have engaged persons in my constituency who have the means and willingness, to donate supplies such as plywood and free labour, ensuring those in need are properly boarded up and protected.

“I have, with friends and able-bodied persons – especially once a hurricane has passed – gone out to survey the constituency to ensure persons who need assistance are helped. When there was no electricity, my neighbours and my family have cooked our food on grills, ensuring that we, and others could have hot meals. We have also shared our generator so that persons’ refrigerated goods didn’t spoil.

“Hurricanes have a way of humbling us, and reminding us of who we are as individuals. The aftermath of a hurricane reminds us of the value and importance of neighbourly love. It brings to the fore that we are our brothers’ keepers, and that, together, we can overcome.”

Perry Thompson, food and beverage captain at The Loren hotel, has a post-hurricane attitude like my neighbours in the story above.

“Once the hurricane has passed, and it’s deemed safe to go outside, the first thing to check is your property for any damage — roof, yard, fences, vehicles,” Mr Thompson said.

“If there is nothing major, then you take a walk around the neighbourhood. There may have to be clearing of trees and branches from the road. Inspect surrounding houses to see if they need any help in clearing up debris that might have been scattered from the high winds. Almost everyone has tarpaulins stored, so if there’s a roof that needs covering, they would be brought to the house, and the holes covered.

“I know our neighbourhood does not wait for Belco or Works & Engineering to come clear the roads. We come with our goggles, gloves, clippers, rakes, and buckets, and proceed in getting the areas back to normal.”

Retired police officer Hiram Edwards said that during and after a hurricane, “emergency services step up to the plate, and residents and businesses come together for Bermuda. From the engineers and communications folk at Belco and Bermuda Telephone Company, to the staff at the hotels. I am confident our neighbours will continue to always look out for one another.”

The post Who needs avocados? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Fortunately, we live in one of the most well-insured places on Earth. One of the island’s longest established domestic insurers is Argus, a company that has earned a local reputation as a giant.

Angus Crumley is the assistant vice-president of claims at Argus, and he spoke to us about why policyholders need not be too concerned about hurricane-related damage once the winds have dissipated and the bills start to mount.

“Argus Insurance Company Ltd (AICL) has a comprehensive Hurricane Plan that forms part of their Business Continuity Plan (BCP),” Mr Crumley said. “The overall Argus Group BCP includes individual plans from all departments and is reviewed and updated annually. Likewise, the Argus Hurricane Plan is updated prior to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

“This plan is mandatory for compliance purposes and includes special training for all AICL staff. Training sessions are conducted to refresh staff on their roles and responsibilities within the Hurricane Plan.

“Any new staff members are trained on how to enter claims and perform their duties as part of the plan. The Hurricane Plan itself is a living document, subject to annual updates and amendments, such as the shift from paper forms to electronic formats and incorporating a pandemic addendum.”

Planning is key for making it through any natural disaster, and knowing that Argus is so thoroughly prepared for what may come is comforting for its clients.

After a storm, clients will naturally be anxious, and claims will accrue quickly – but there’s no real formula for calculating how many claims will come, or how much damage will be done.

“The number of claims following hurricanes can vary significantly,” Mr Crumley said. “For example, Hurricane Fabian resulted in more claims for a single event than any other storm in recent times. The overall number of claims depends on factors like the storm’s path, its category, individual preparedness, and additional phenomena, like tornadoes.

“For instance, during Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo, which struck within a week of each other, Argus inspected and categorised all reported damages from Fay before Gonzalo arrived. This proactive approach ensured clear differentiation between damages caused by each storm.”

Typically, Argus will assess damages as soon as it’s safe and practical to do so. This is a necessary process, and it is quite methodical and thorough.

“The process begins with local inspectors from Argus visiting as many properties as possible to photograph and list the damages,” Mr Crumley said. “This information is then handed over to overseas adjusters who handle the majority of claims.

“The adjusters will work from local contractors’ estimates, or request a quantity survey (essentially an estimate of the damages), and work with the policyholder to agree on the amount. The agreed amount is then transferred to the policyholder electronically. Claims are settled as soon as possible.”

The system is designed to be straightforward, efficient and fair. Argus knows that losing something to a hurricane can be traumatic, and does its best to make the claims process as easy as possible.

Every now and then, Bermuda experiences a “big one”. At those times, Argus is ready to deploy the full compliment of agents at their disposal to help get Bermuda back to some semblance of normalcy as quickly as humanly possible. Mr Crumley is proud of this special phenomenon.

“The contingency plan is embedded in the Hurricane Plan, which involves all staff from AICL, including those from departments like underwriting, operations, and accounts,” he said.  “Depending on the severity of the storm, and the number of claims, additional adjusters from overseas  are brought in.

“In past experiences, staff from other departments, such as health and pensions, have also volunteered to assist, making the process a collaborative effort across the company. You’d be amazed at how much everybody comes together to be a part of it. They’re all always eager to get stuck in and help out where they can. We love that.”

There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your company stands at the forefront of restoring peace and alleviating trauma after a natural disaster. Mr Crumley speaks with passion about times when Argus performed well after a storm.

“Notable examples include Hurricane Fabian, which resulted in a significant number of claims,” Mr Crumley said. “Another instance is Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo, which hit within a week of each other. Argus managed to inspect and document all damages from Fay before Gonzalo arrived, ensuring clear differentiation between damages caused by each storm.

“Additionally, during Hurricanes Fiona and Earl, a similar approach was taken to categorise and address damages efficiently.”

Mr Crumley emphasises the importance of personal safety and offered advice to clients putting their claims together once the storm is over.

“Policyholders are advised to prioritise their safety first and foremost,” Mr Crumley said. “They should take photographs of the damaged property, remove undamaged property if it is safe to do so, and take immediate remedial actions to mitigate further loss or damage.

“It is crucial to retain receipts for any expenses incurred during this process. A loss inspector will contact the policyholder as soon as possible to proceed with the claim.

“Additionally, it is important for policyholders to regularly review and understand their insurance policies to ensure they have the right level of replacement cover. By validating that their coverage is adequate, policyholders can reduce their risk to property damage and personal financial exposure. This ensures that policyholders are better prepared in the event of a hurricane.

“Making sure your policy is up to date and understanding the extent of your coverage are critical steps in safeguarding your property and finances.”

The post Staking your claim appeared first on RG Magazines.

We might e-mail long-distant friends and business associates to announce we’re about to lose power – then we would enter the old-fashioned, non-electronic world for as long as it took Belco and the communications companies to get the show back on the road.

In this modern era of instant connectivity, however, our needs are very different.

From WhatsApp chat groups with friends across the globe to business negotiations with overseas clients, the ability to connect is more vital than ever before.

Some disruption is inevitable during a major storm but, for telecoms providers like One Communications, the pressure is on to maintain service as much as possible whatever the weather.

“It is fair to say that people have higher expectations today when it comes to staying connected during a storm,” a One Communications spokeswoman said.

“There is increased reliance on digital communication in general for both personal and professional interactions with the proliferation of smartphones, social media and cloud-based services.”

The Covid-19 pandemic prompted a rise of remote working and flexibility, meaning many businesses now operate on a “work-from-anywhere” approach, which means employees require reliable internet and communication services.

“Social connectivity with social media and messaging apps have become integral to receiving timely information and maintaining personal relationships,” the spokeswoman said.

“During a storm, maintaining reliable communication services is important for our customers to stay connected to family, emergency services and even business connections.

“Our commitment to keeping customers connected during a storm reflects our dedication to their safety, security and wellbeing.

“We strive to provide reliable communication services that are essential for navigating challenging times, ensuring access to information, assistance and community support.”

Storm preparations begin as early as May, when outside plant teams review foliage along the main trunk lines and inspect critical core infrastructure.

“Power outages are the leading cause of connectivity loss,” the One Communications spokeswoman explained.

“Additionally, high winds from severe weather condition and foliage can cause droplines to be pulled down. Foliage that has not been adequately trimmed poses a significant risk.”

As a hurricane approaches, the team moves into storm mode.

The spokeswoman said: “Once we are on alert, we activate our Business Continuity plan where our teams are well trained on their roles and responsibilities.

“Essential items are all stored in locations across the island for quick access. Once it is safe, our service delivery, construction and maintenance teams are prepared to respond.”

During the storm, the firm’s Network Operations Centre monitors outages and works closely with Belco to address power-related issues.

As soon as the Emergency Measures Organisation signals it is safe for utility companies to proceed, they prioritise restoration tasks to ensure the quickest possible recovery of services.

One Communications staff follow strict safety rules as they go about getting people connected again.

“The safety of our staff is our top priority. We do not perform any restoration work during the storm to avoid putting our teams at risk,” the spokeswoman said.

“We collaborate closely with the EMO to confirm the conditions are safe before beginning any repair activities. Our field teams are among the first responders, following the all-clear from the EMO, to assess the network infrastructure.

“It is essential that roads are clear of public traffic to allow utility companies to operate safely and efficiently during these restoration efforts.”

In recent years, One Communications has improved the resiliency of its network by making major investments in its fibre infrastructure.

“Our commitment to data-driven decision-making underpins our approach to network resilience,” the spokeswoman said.

“Historical data allows us to pinpoint the areas that are most vulnerable and allows us to take proactive measures.

“Collaboration is also key to our strategy. We work closely with Belco and our Outside Plant team to improve areas that may be heavily impacted by the storm.

“By continuously reinforcing our infrastructure, we reduce the likelihood of service disruptions during storms.”

A series of inspections are carried out to maintain the integrity of the network.

“These inspections involve examinations of our infrastructure in areas that are most exposed to storm impacts,” the spokeswoman said. “This allows us to identify potential vulnerabilities early on.”

She warned that, no matter how badly you need to get connected after a storm, you should never take matters into your hands.

“We urge customers to stay safe in their homes and allow utility companies to evaluate and assess the situation,” she said.

“It is crucial not to cut or tamper with cables, as they might be supplying services to a larger area. We ask for patience as our teams work as quickly as possible to restore services.

“Despite some team members being personally affected by the storm, they remain committed to being in the field and working to reconnect our customers.”

You can decrease your chances of being impacted by ensuring you don’t have loose branches that might break in a storm and damage cables.

“Please be vigilant about foliage growing near power and cable lines,” the spokeswoman said.

“Report any issues to the utility companies promptly. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and reliable network.”

The post Keeping us connected appeared first on RG Magazines.

With solar panels and battery storage, this is possible, said Cameron Smith, co-owner of Greenlight Energy. “It’s perfectly seamless,” he said. “It clicks in, in 100 milliseconds. You don’t even see a light flicker.”

How exactly does this work? And how many batteries do you need?

“Eighty per cent of our clients get two Powerwalls,” he answered, referring to the Tesla Powerwall rechargeable battery system installed by Greenlight Energy. “That is 27 kilowatt hours (kWh) of storage, and 10 kilowatts continuous.”

What does that mean from a practical standpoint? “27 kWhs is enough to run the typical home overnight,” he explained. “As long as you’re not running it on something like 64 degrees Fahrenheit and running it on something more palatable, like 72F or 74F, you’ll get through the night with one or two air-conditioners on. Your fridge will be powered. Your wi-fi router will stay on. You can turn on all your LED lights. You can take a shower.”

Along with the Powerwall is a box called the Tesla Gateway, which is a “smart automatic transfer switch”. As soon as it detects a grid outage, it switches the source of power for your house to the batteries.

Unlike generators, the batteries are completely silent and have no moving parts, reducing the need for maintenance.

In order to generate the power however, you need solar panels. These can be installed anywhere on the property, but are usually fixed to the roof. What are the chances, therefore, of them blowing off during a hurricane? “The bolting method we use is rated for 150 mph winds. We’ve never lost a solar panel in a hurricane,” he answered confidently.

Furthermore, as long as the solar panels and batteries have been correctly installed, they can be included in that property’s insurance policy.

Solar panels and battery storage systems are a big investment, but they are not just for hurricanes. They can also help to reduce your Belco bill all year round.

On their own, solar panels will generate power as long as the sun is shining. However, on a cloudy day, it will generate less power, and when the sun goes down, no power. This is where the battery storage system comes into play.

“When you get solar panels, you can intuit their effectiveness over the course of a typical day,” said Mr Smith. “Around midday, when the sun is highest in the sky, the solar panels are producing the most power, however the sunlight doesn’t correlate perfectly with usage habits.

“Typically, when the solar panels are producing the most power, homeowners are using the least amount of power because they’re not home. The answer to that would be energy storage, which stores any energy that’s being produced [during the day], so it can be used during the higher energy usage times, which is typically in the evenings around 6pm when everybody gets home and the air-conditioner’s turned on, the ovens go on and the kettle’s running.”

The Tesla app allows you to see how much power your panels are generating, and when. You can also manage how you use your stored energy. If, for example, you always want to keep 30 per cent in reserve in case of an unexpected outage, you can use the app to set that up. In that case, the house will switch back to the grid when the battery storage gets down to 30 percent. As soon as the sun comes out again, the battery recharges.

The reserve setting can be changed at any time. When you know a hurricane is coming, you might want to keep your battery fully charged to guarantee full capacity when the grid goes down. Should you need to, you can also charge the battery from the grid.

Steve Thomson, father of Greenlight president Kenneth Thomson, was one of their first customers. He loves the app: “I can change the batteries so, say a hurricane’s coming, [I can] keep my battery stocked up to 100 percent rather than using them overnight. And, I can say ‘oh it’s night time now, we’ve got a hurricane tomorrow morning, let me let Belco charge the batteries’. I can change it so they can charge it.”

Mr Thomson had 38 panels installed on his roof and three batteries in his basement about four years ago and, in addition to being able to “enjoy” hurricanes in comfort, he has seen his Belco bills drop dramatically. He lives in a two-bedroom house on South Shore in Warwick which also has a one-bedroom cottage and a swimming pool.

“I used to pay $1,600 to $1,700 a month in the summer,” he said, adding: “Now, in April, May and June, I’ll pay the facilities fee, I might pay $80 or $100 and in the summer, when I’m using a lot of air-conditioning, maybe my bill is $250 or $300 maximum. It makes a big difference.”

While the Belco savings might be substantial, the up-front cost of having a solar energy system installed is significant, but explained Mr Smith, it will pay for itself in the longer run.

For the solar panels, the cheapest system Greenlight has installed has been $18,000 and the most expensive was $300,000. For a monthly Belco bill of $600, Mr Smith estimated needing a number of panels that would cost between $30,000 – $50,000 depending on the complexity of the installation. While there are many variables involved, he estimated you would earn that back in around six to eight years.

For batteries, the first one costs around $20,000, again depending on factors such as the complexity of installation, but, once installed, additional batteries may not cost quite as much, because the complicated installation work is done.

The solar panels come with a 25-year warranty and the Tesla Powerwall with a ten-year warranty.

The post Power through a hurricane appeared first on RG Magazines.

The NOAA expects between 17 and 25 named storms, of which eight to 13 are expected to be hurricanes and four to seven “major hurricanes” with winds of 111mph or higher.

The Colorado State University’s esteemed meteorological team supports NOAA’s expectation for a busy hurricane season. CSU calls for 23 named storms to form in the Atlantic, 11 of which are likely to become hurricanes and five major hurricanes.

Adding historical perspective, the CSU team’s forecast is for 2024 activity levels will be about 170 per cent of the average season over the three decades from 1991 to 2020. For comparison, 2023 was around 120 per cent.

Meteorologists highlight two main factors behind the extraordinary storm activity expectations.

Ocean temperatures

Most hurricanes form in a tract of ocean that stretches from West Africa to the Caribbean, known as the Main Development Region (MDR). Ocean heat is tropical cyclone fuel and this year, temperatures in the MDR have reached record highs.

In May, NOAA reported that “currently observed sea surface temperatures in the MDR and North Atlantic are similar to those normally observed in late July and early August”.

Temperatures in the Atlantic started to break records in March 2023 and have stayed extraordinarily high ever since. In April, NOAA observed “an area-averaged anomaly of +1.22°C”. During 2023, the comparable value was +0.46°C.

Ocean surface temperatures in the Atlantic Basin were at record highs for the time of year for an astonishing 421 consecutive days, a streak that ended in late April. Even scientists are baffled.

“I do not have any solid explanations for it,” Brian McNoldy, a senior researcher at the University of Miami in Florida, told news website Axios in April when asked about the record high temperatures. “I would say that I’m just a shocked observer like so many others. It’s not just that the global-average sea surface temperature has been record-breaking every single day… but it’s the absurdly-large margins by which the records have been broken.”

Explaining how this worrying warming sea phenomenon points to more hurricane activity this year, CSU states: “When waters in the eastern and central tropical and subtropical Atlantic are much warmer than normal in the spring, it tends to force a weaker subtropical high and associated weaker winds blowing across the tropical Atlantic.

“These conditions will likely lead to a continuation of well above-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic for the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. A very warm Atlantic favours an above-average season, since a hurricane’s fuel source is warm ocean water. In addition, a warm Atlantic leads to lower atmospheric pressure and a more unstable atmosphere. Both conditions favour hurricanes.”

In its April forecast, CSU estimated a 66 per cent chance of a major hurricane making landfall in the Caribbean this year, compared to the average of 47 per cent between 1880 and 2020, with the numbers for the US 62 per cent and 43 per cent respectively.

La Niña

The El Niño Southern Oscillation is a natural phenomenon whereby the state of winds and currents in the Pacific influence weather around the world. Forecasters expect the oscillation to enter its La Niña phase by the peak of hurricane season, in August to October.

That is a supporting factor for hurricane activity as La Niña tends to decrease wind shear in the tropical Atlantic, creating better conditions for storms grow in intensity.

Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane forecaster, explained in an AccuWeather online article how wind shear can hamper the formation of hurricanes. “It can be helpful to visualise a stack of pancakes,” Mr DaSilva explained. “A tall, neat stack is what a tropical system wants to be, but wind shear can cause some pancakes to be displaced and the stack could fall over.”

It follows that if La Niña moves in and reduces wind shear, major hurricanes will have a higher chance of forming.

While forecasters cannot be certain of La Niña conditions, NOAA estimates a 77 per cent chance of this occurring, with a smaller probability (22 per cent) for “ENSO-neutral”. However, there is little encouragement to be drawn from that, as NOAA points out: “ENSO-neutral is typically associated with above-average levels of activity.”

The oft-expressed view among many older residents of Bermuda that “we seem to get more hurricanes than we used to” is backed up by scientific observation of an ongoing upward trend.

“The set of conditions that have produced the ongoing high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes which began in 1995 are likely to continue in 2024,” NOAA points out.

“These conditions include warmer sea-surface temperatures and weaker trade winds in the Atlantic hurricane Main Development Region, along with weaker vertical wind shear, and an enhanced West African monsoon.”

The message for Bermuda could not be clearer: be prepared!

The post Brewing up a storm appeared first on RG Magazines.

Keeping Bermuda switched on is not a small task, and Belco has a few tips for property owners that will help us to help them get the job done. Shelly Leman, Belco’s managing director of transmission distribution and retail, provided a wealth of advice.

“It is paramount for customers to commence, and maintain, hurricane readiness throughout the entirety of the season, as it is of the utmost importance to do what we can – well in advance – to maintain safety and minimise destruction, danger and loss of power,” Ms Leman said.

“One of the most effective methods of maintaining storm readiness and safety is to trim trees back so that they are at least ten feet away from power lines. Fallen tree branches can pull down power lines and even entire utility poles. These downed lines pose a serious electrocution and fire hazard.

“Trimming trees can also reduce the risk of one of the most inconvenient parts of a hurricane: losing electricity. Most outages in Bermuda are caused by trees falling on power lines, even in years where Bermuda avoids a direct hit. By keeping trees trimmed at least 10 feet back from power lines, the majority of outages can be prevented.

“Belco is not responsible for trimming trees on private property. The sole responsibility for keeping trees trimmed and cut back from power lines lies with the property owners. It is critically important to remember that a power line’s electricity must be disconnected before trimming trees next to it. Belco and the customer will choose a date and start time, usually three weeks from the date of request. To schedule a temporary disconnection for tree trimming safety, property owners can call Belco at 295-5111, or e-mail [email protected] three weeks in advance.”

Bermuda’s power lines are exposed, so the prioritising of tree-trimming makes sense. Of course, even trimmed trees can still damage lines, and we have all seen viral videos of powerlines sparking and dancing in the wind over recent years – so do all you can to keep the lines as clear as possible.

The Belco plant is constantly running, and that doesn’t change before, during, or after a hurricane. Internal operations need to be sharp and polished if Bermuda is going to weather the storm and come through smiling. Hurricane season is when our electric light company shines brightest.

“At the start of the hurricane season, Belco ensures that internal emergency procedures are up to date.” Ms Leman said. “All departments within the company are involved, and each has a vital role to play.

“Belco implements a set of emergency procedures when a hurricane, or tropical storm, becomes a threat. Belco’s Crisis Management Team is activated, and meets regularly to monitor the approach of the storm, to execute pre-storm checklists, and ensure supplies are stored at strategic locations around the island in preparation for recovery efforts.

“In advance of a storm, and before weather conditions deteriorate, crews, trucks and equipment are positioned in the west, central and eastern parts of the island. If the Causeway is closed, crews and equipment are already stationed to the east of the Causeway so they can begin restoration efforts before it is reopened.”

Sparking lines is a testament to Belco’s desire to keep their clients powered up through any weather. To that end, they don’t shut off power to clients unless it’s absolutely necessary – and that includes during the restoration campaign.

“Before and during a storm, Belco never intentionally shuts off power to any customers,” Ms Leman said. “Any outages will be due to the impact of the storm. Once the storm has passed, and crews begin restoration work, there may be occasions where power needs to be shut off to some customers so that repairs can take place elsewhere on the grid.

“These outages are kept to a minimum, but at times are necessary to ensure the safety of Belco crews during restoration efforts.”

Belco says customers who require access to electricity for medical concerns should relocate during a storm if they have to. There is no way of knowing when power can be restored to every home, but the Belco team keeps working until all of Bermuda has power again.

“In the case of a storm, and the possibility of an extended power outage, Belco advises medical device-dependent customers to relocate themselves to a facility with backup power generation, such as King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, to ensure they have access to the care and resources they require,” Ms Leman said.

“Depending on the severity of the damage to the transmission and distribution system, Belco cannot guarantee electricity for the duration of the storm, and cannot guarantee when restoration to an individual home will be completed following the storm.

“Power is restored according to a specific plan. Main line circuits must be restored first so that branch lines can then be repaired in order for power to be restored to homes. If a customer has lost power, the main and branch lines must be repaired and energised before damage to a specific household can be fixed, or else there will be no power feeding into the lines that supply that home.”

Belco implores residents to avoid downed powerlines, as they may be live. Customers should also report outages, unplug devices and appliances before the storm hits, keep out of the way of Belco restoration crews, and monitor restoration campaign progress on belco.com, and their social media outlets.

Lastly, Belco greatly appreciates the encouragement and love their crews invariably receive from the community when they are out working tirelessly to get the power back on.

“During post-storm restoration efforts, the Belco team are always motivated by the community’s kindness and understanding,” Ms Leman said. “When people post words of encouragement on social media, or say ‘thanks’ to our working crews who are often working long hours in hot, humid conditions, the team are incredibly thankful.”

The post Keeping Bermuda switched on appeared first on RG Magazines.

When a basic shelter is not enough, serious considerations must be made. Denise Carey is the executive director of the charity Home, whose mantra is, “Ending homelessness”. Ms Carey shared the concerns Home considers when a hurricane is imminent.

“Severe weather protocols are needed for people sleeping rough when there is an increased risk due to the weather — for example, exposure to storm-force winds, rain, or hurricanes. These protocols serve as a temporary response to a heightened risk, and is in addition to the night shelter and hurricane shelter.”

Staying informed about the movements of an approaching hurricane is important for all of us. Ms Carey reminds us that people living outside are still very much members of our community.

“People living outside communicate with other people in our community,” she said. “For example, people sitting at the bus terminal hear the discussions of people walking by, they read the newspaper, chat with waiting passengers and bus drivers, access wi-fi, and some have WhatsApp.

“Standing outside grocery stores, they hear and see the change in activity as residents head to the grocery store to purchase hurricane supplies. They see plywood affixed to storefront windows, witness an immediate decrease in commuters, and alfresco dining ends abruptly as outdoor furniture is moved inside. Those who frequent Front Street and Albuoy’s Point notice how the water changes in the harbour, as ferries are cancelled, and cruise ships depart.

“People sleeping rough notice changes in humidity and cloud formations, and if they’ve been outside long enough, they notice how the trees dance to a rhythm that can only be associated with one thing. I might argue a rough sleeper notices the weather change before you do.”

If you stop to talk to someone who is living outside from time to time, you may learn that supporting these people is something we all need to do – especially during times when life and limb are at risk. Home suggests family members of people living outside should consider extending their support during these times.

“Persons living outside may have positive relationships with members of their family, and Home encourages parents, siblings, cousins, adult children, adult grandchildren, and close friends to use this time to reconnect, if only for a brief period,” Ms Carey said.

“When alerted to potential threatening weather, the family can agree on which relative or friend will conduct a wellness check with the person sleeping rough. Have a chat with them and try to plan ahead.”

When approaching relatives who may be living outside to discern whether they will be safe during a hurricane, Home recommends you ask a few questions, starting with: “Would you be comfortable sharing your plans to keep yourself safe during the hurricane? Where do you plan to sleep?”

If your relative plans on riding out the storm outside, ask them: “Is there shelter there? Will you be covered by a porch? Is there a door and window to keep you secure? How will you keep yourself safe? Will you be exposed to the elements? What will you do if you don’t feel safe there? How will you access meals? What happens if the weather worsens? What is your plan B? Have you considered going to stay at the emergency shelter?”

This seems like many questions, but it’s literally a matter of life and death. We want all Bermudians to survive every hurricane that comes our way, and asking these questions can be the difference between a loved one surviving unscathed or not.

Communication is vital when trying to ensure your family stays safe during a hurricane. Home further recommends having a post-storm communication plan; ask your at-risk family member: “How can I check on you during inclement weather and right after? Do you think you will be able to call me to let me know you are alright? Do you want me to call you?”

Always double check to confirm that you have all your family member’s phone numbers saved somewhere, and remind everyone to charge their phones so lines of communication can remain open.

If you actually want to invite a person who is sleeping rough to weather the storm in your home, Ms Carey suggests thinking carefully about it.

“This should only be considered when you have a close personal relationship, and you feel safe doing so,” Ms Carey said. “Before deciding to invite a close relative home for shelter during a hurricane, a family should meet to discuss the pros and cons of the invitation.

“The family should consider gender, physical limitations, mental health, diet, activities — do they smoke cigarettes, who else will be directly impacted by the stay, the history of your relationship, and which family member will offer their house for two nights during the hurricane.

“Keep the nights limited to two, and if things go well, you can always add one night at a time. Try not to overextend yourself the first time around. You are building bridges and want to keep the lines of communication open, and avoid conflict.”

Once the decision has been made, and all the questions have been comfortably answered, you can go ahead and arrange a pick-up time and location with your relative. Ms Carey provides the following guidelines to follow on pick-up day.

“Make sure you and one other family member or close friend are in the car when you go to pick-up.

“Do not bring anyone home who smells strongly of alcohol, or appears to be under the influence of mind-altering substances.

“Do not allow other people to enter your car.

“Do not offer rides to anyone other than your relative.”

Everyone’s safety is the ultimate goal. Do all you can to keep your family safe, but don’t put them at risk of anything more than the storm.

The post Homeless in a hurricane appeared first on RG Magazines.

Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva, executive director at Age Concern, provided some insight into the services they provide, and their recommendations for older adults during hurricane season. She remarks that there seem to be more older adults on their own with their adult children, sometimes from overseas, contacting Age Concern to check in on their parents.

When a community experiences a disaster, the lives of every person are disrupted. This is perhaps never truer than when it comes to our seniors. The supports that may be in place are disrupted as well. The loss of power or transportation can have lasting consequences for our most vulnerable.

Like anyone, older adults are affected in different ways by an event like a hurricane. The difference is, the experiences they have during this time can affect their daily functioning years later. Simple tasks such as carrying heavy groceries, walking up a flight of stairs, and standing for long periods of time become challenging. However, they can be alleviated with a focused response immediately after a disaster.

If you want to reach out to the seniors in your community in preparation for hurricane season, don’t assume you know what they need.

“Firstly, ask them what it is they need from you,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva said. “Everyone has their own capabilities and limitations. If they are able, let them dictate how you can assist them.”

Speaking of assistance, Age Concern is a major player in the field of helping to ensure our older adults have what they need to live well during storm season. While supplies last, and for those in emergent need, they supply items like batteries, flashlights and water.

“We are also looking for a community sponsor to support us in purchasing or supplying items to our older adults in need,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva said.

Age Concern observes how crucial it is for seniors to have social connections just as much as physical preparedness for hurricane resilience.

“When our seniors are more socially connected, they are more likely to seek assistance and have those willing to offer assistance to them,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva explained. “When they are more connected, they feel more comfortable to do so and therefore are less likely to injure themselves or end up in harmful situations or without quick response to these situations.”

Indeed, the largest impact on a senior’s wellbeing is having close social connections. Physical, mental, and emotional health are all strengthened by having relationships with family, friends, and neighbours. Those relationships can really get you through those challenging times.

Research has found that older adults who were able to maintain social connections, such as informal socialising with neighbours and family, were protected from some negative effects, such as symptoms of depression.

“There can be physical limitations to maintaining social connections,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva said. “As well as technological difficulties with seniors not knowing how to use their phone or computer.”

Ichiro Kawachi, a renowned social epidemiologist and co-editor-in-chief of the international journal Social Science & Medicine, has stressed that very point. “It is essential for older adults to maintain social connections as a part of disaster preparedness,” Dr Kawachi wrote. “Being prepared is not only stockpiling resources like food and medicines and water. You also need to pay attention to the social connections.”

With some seniors taking care of even older seniors, you may expect there would be an increase in calls regarding hurricane preparedness. However, it seems those calls are diminishing as we tend to be prepared to literally weather a storm.

However, for those who may not feel fully prepared for a hurricane, here are some basic steps that Age Concern recommends for seniors who want to stay in their homes:

• Develop a contact list: this should include family and friends whom you may need to contact during an emergency, ideally individuals who can assist you. The contact list should also include emergency services or your own medical emergency numbers, should others need to tend to you (like your doctor or pet’s vet).
• Stock up on essentials: stock up on non-perishable items such as canned vegetables, canned fruits pasta and cereals. Make sure you have enough supplies of your medications, medical supplies, and are wearing your needed medical devices and allergy identifiers.
• Ask friends and family for help: ask them to secure your home if you are unable to do so yourself. Also ask them to move any larger furniture and items that may be blocking your emergency exit or accessible paths.

Many people don’t realise that Age Concern is not a government entity. Rather, it’s a non-profit organization, Charity number 137.

“One of our main services is to advocate on behalf of older adults and provide advice and referral services, for the dissemination of Bermuda-specific, age-related, information by telephone, internet, or walk-in,” Ms Pringle-DeSilva said.

“Through our Client Services Programme we often refer to other service providers such as Ageing and Disability Services, National Office for Seniors, Bermuda Health Council, the Department of Financial Assistance, Bermuda Housing Corporation, The Department of Health, MJM Ltd (legal services), Bermuda Police Service, and others.”

Age Concern Bermuda has a variety of programmes and services that offer assistance for older adults. From education, to advocacy, to client services and discounts, reach out to Age Concern if you’re 50 or older for more advice on how to make your life in Bermuda just a little easier.

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