Bermuda Braces for Gonzalo; Ana to Strike Hawaii

I don't believe this has ever happened in Hurricane history: Major Hurricane Gonzalo is striking Bermuda tonight, just as soon-to-be-hurricane Ana approaches the Hawaiian islands.

Gonzalo is the big story; the Bermuda weather service issued a statement this morning the likes of which I've never heard in the U.S. (save maybe Hurricane Katrina): "Most extreme winds S-SW 90-110 knots (104-127 mph) gusts to 140 knots (161 mph) in elevated areas) are expected this evening. Seas rapidly build 35-40 feet... a dangerous and life-threatening storm surge... will be accompanied by large and destructive waves." Bermuda has been hit by storms before, of course... but perhaps not one this strong since Fabian in 2003.

The only webcam still alive in Bermuda (many were taken out when a weaker Hurricane Fay struck last week) showed high winds, waves and water Friday afternoon. (I'll upload a compilation video later tonight).

Observations from the airport there can be obtained from the http://www.weather.bm/observations.asp website. They also have an excellent radar / satellite / lightning loop. Archived radar loops are available at Brian McNoldy's page.

The WaveWatch forecast model predicts waves of over 38 feet at Bermuda; over 45 feet as it approaches Canada!

Here's what the two storms looked like yesterday: