October 3: The Storm

At 0515hrs on Saturday, most of us were awoken by the first strong gust of the storm. The buildings shaken so hard it was difficult to tell if it were the wind or an earth tremor! The weather due to build throughout the morning had arrived early. Throughout the morning gusts exceeded 60 kts, then 70 kts, topping out with a gust of 83 kts around 0900hrs. Around lunch time the seas began to build, lashing the west coast beaches with walls of whitewater. Elephant seal harems huddled on the highest ground they could find, but were soon at the mercy of the sea. Even two hours before high tide waves were washing over the Isthmus with such force that entire groups of seals, pups and even the big 3 tonne Beachmasters were washed away. Our concrete breakwater was washed out into the bay and the Isthmus slowly eroded under the relentless force of scouring surf. One large set washed through the Green Store and through market square, draining down between Cumpston’s Cottage and the Mess. 

Waves breaking over the elephant seal harems. Photo: Justin Chambers

Seal harems being smashed by the high seas. Photo: Justin Chambers

Seals on the Isthmus during storm. Photo: Jstin Chambers

Waves breaking over the isthmus. Photo: Justin Chambers

Storm surge washes over the Isthmus all day. Photo: Justin Chambers