Surge Causing Severe Flooding at Boaz

As Bermuda is in the middle of being battered by Hurricane Igor, the predicted storm surge is causing waters to rise and as of now we are receiving many reports of flooding around the island, with the worst reports coming from The Boaz Island Condos in Sandy’s parish. We just received the photo below, which appears to show people walking in thigh deep water at Boaz Island:

The property also flooded out during Hurricane Fabian in 2003. A resident of Boaz Island said this evening that “Everyone is fine up here, we would rather stay then be evacuated, as if not we will come back with flooded houses. I experienced it during Fabian, this is my second time around.” Click to enlarge for a clearer view:

The photo below was also taken in the area, and shows a resident’s backyard completely flooded out:

Dr. Mark Guishard, Director of Bermuda Weather Service, said that storm surge is expected to be on the order of 5 to 7 feet above the normal tide levels. All photos below also of Boaz Island, no enlargement available.

Local tide prediction tables show that there should be a very high tide that peaks today (Sept 19) at 6:05 pm. This higher than usual tide – at 1.92 metres that’s just over six feet – coupled with the predicted 5 – 7 foot storm surge could easily mean that water levels could be as much as ten to twelve feet above the average tide level. This may well explain the unusual water ingress up at the Boaz Island condos and elsewhere on the Island.

We would like to thank the residents of Boaz Island for sending in these photos, it is much appreciated. There is an active conversation happening on our Facebook page, with a couple of Boaz Island residents posting. Can be viewed here.

Update Sept 20 12:20pm: Less than 12 hours after Igor’s hit, Boaz Island appears to been “water-free” today [photo]

#HurricaneIgor #Somerset

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