Publication Date October 13, 2016 | Weather Wunderground

Four Things To Know About Hurricane Nicole

Bermuda
Hurricane Nicole as seen by the Bermuda radar at 9:44 am EDT October 13, 2016, when the northern eyewall was battering the island. Bermuda (under the white cross) was about to enter the eye. Image: Bermuda Weather Service
Hurricane Nicole as seen by the Bermuda radar at 9:44 am EDT October 13, 2016, when the northern eyewall was battering the island. Bermuda (under the white cross) was about to enter the eye. Image: Bermuda Weather Service

Hurricane Nicole remains a major hurricane as it is hitting Bermuda, as of Thursday afternoon. A major hurricane is defined as having sustained winds of at least 111 mph, which translates into a Category 3 or higher hurricane.

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Hurricanes of this intensity passing close to Bermuda are rare. Since 1950, there have been only three major hurricanes that passed within 65 nautical miles of Hamilton, Bermuda.

The last major hurricane to impact Bermuda was Hurricane Gonzalo in October 2014. However, it is important to note that it was weakening as it passed Bermuda and was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph when it made landfall in Bermuda.

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Since 1950, there have been only seven Category 2 or stronger hurricanes within 65 nautical miles of Bermuda. In addition, only four hurricanes have tracked within 50 miles of Bermuda in October, dating to 1950.

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Lately, Bermuda has been no stranger to tropical cyclones. In fact, Bermuda has already experienced impacts from a tropical system this year.

On Sept. 24, Tropical Storm Karl passed just east of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. causing coastal erosion and flooding in several areas. Bermuda International Airport recorded a wind gust of 43 mph as the center of Karl came within 50 miles of the archipelago.