Most powerful storm in 50 years hits Bermuda

The most powerful hurricane to hit Bermuda in 50 years slammed into the island chain today, unleashing winds that snapped off palm trees, scoured the coast and tested its vaunted ability to withstand a fierce storm.

The northern eye of fast-moving Fabian reached Bermuda ahead of schedule, lashing the mid-Atlantic island chain with 120mph winds and turning tranquil ports into white-capped harbours.

Islanders bolted themselves inside homes or fled to hotels, some of which were being battered by the pelting rains. Airports closed and all flights to Bermuda were cancelled. Hundreds were evacuated.

“There’s no escape,” said Ian Currie of Bermuda’s Weather Service.

Fabian’s powerful winds stretched 115 miles outward and were pummelling Bermuda’s largest island, which is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide.

About 160 people were evacuated from the Sonesta Beach Hotel in the south, where 10ft waves were crashing against the rocky coastline. Hundreds of others left their homes near ports or on the coast.

Many flocked to hotels with generators, said Paul Tormey, manager of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel, which had nearly 300 guests.

Tourists have continued travelling to Bermuda in recent days despite warnings that a powerful storm was on the way. There has been little concern because wealthy Bermuda has a better infrastructure than many Caribbean islands and building codes that require homes to withstand sustained winds of 110mph.

“It’s terrific to watch but it’s still intimidating,” said Susan Chandler, 52, a tourist from Manhattan who decided to stay in Bermuda for the rest of her two week holiday. “There’s so much seaspray in the harbour now it looks like it’s snowing.”

Chandler looked out of her rattling hotel window at the Fairmont to watch palm trees snap in the wind and rain blanket the streets.

Bermuda has not seen a Category 3 hurricane since 1953, when Hurricane Edna hit the island chain carrying 115mph winds. The last powerful hurricane to hit the islands was Hurricane Emily in 1987, a Category 1 storm that tore off roofs, left homes without power for weeks and caused more than £30 million in damage.

“We’ve come up with a Fabian cocktail for our guests,” Tormey said. “The drinks will have umbrellas turned inside out.”