Impact and Preparations
When the hurricane appeared to pose a threat to Bermuda, its government issued a hurricane watch. Around 24 hours before Erin made its closest approach, the watch was upgraded to a hurricane warning. Initial forecasts indicated Erin would pass within 15 miles (24 km) of the island. As a result, ferry and bus transport was suspended. Officials prepared a school to be used as an emergency shelter, though few people used it. The threat of the hurricane cancelled several flights in and out of the Bermuda International Airport, stranding hundreds of travellers. Cruise ships and cargo ships also cancelled or delayed their arrivals. The strongest winds of Erin remained to the east of the island. As a result, the highest winds on the island peaked at 41 mph (66 km/h). Moderate winds downed several trees onto power lines, leaving dozens of homes without power for several hours. Prolonged durations of strong waves resulted in coastal beach erosion. Large waves broke a boat from its moorings, though two men swam through the rough seas to prevent the yacht from running aground. The storm produced rainfall on the island, yet no flooding was reported. Little structural damage occurred on Bermuda, and there were no reported injuries or casualties.
Swells from Erin produced rip currents along the North Carolina coastline. Waves were expected to reach over 6 feet (1.8 m) in height. Officials at the National Hurricane Center cautioned authorities and residents to monitor the rough seas.
Erin produced moderate winds across Newfoundland, including a maximum sustained wind report of 53 mph (85 km/h) with a gust of 67 mph (108 km/h) at Cape Race. The storm also produced moderate amounts of precipitation, peaking at 5.1 inches (131 mm) at Sagona Island. Along the coast, the passage of the storm led to wave heights of up to 30 feet (9.3 m), while offshore a buoy recorded a wave height of 47 feet (14.2 m). No damage was reported in Canada.
Read more about this topic: Hurricane Erin (2001)
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)