ORLANDO, Fla. – Bermuda sits smack in the middle of “Hurricane Alley” in the North Atlantic. At just 21 square miles, you’d expect this tiny island to take a beating from tropical storms. But here’s a surprise: Direct hits are actually pretty rare.

A look at historical data from the Bermuda Weather Service shows the island gets seriously impacted by a hurricane only once every six to seven years.

That’s not to say storms don’t come close, many do, but most pass by without making landfall. For a storm to officially “hit,” the center of its eye has to move directly over land, which doesn’t happen often given the size of the island.

In fact, over 80% of the storms that do get close (within about 100 nautical miles or 185 km) show up in just two months: September and October.

So why doesn’t Bermuda see more damage when it does take a hit?

First, its geography helps. The island is basically a steep hill rising from deep ocean waters. That means storm surge, the dangerous coastal flooding that causes most deaths in hurricanes, has less of an impact here. Water tends to rush past rather than pile up. Plus, Bermuda’s southern coastline curves in a way that helps break up wave energy, and the surrounding coral reefs and rocky shores act like natural barriers.

Then there’s the architecture. After a devastating storm in 1712 destroyed most of the island’s wooden buildings, Bermuda changed its building laws. Since then, homes and buildings have been constructed with thick limestone walls and heavy stone roofs. These sturdy designs have stood the test of time, helping reduce damage and keeping fatalities incredibly low, even during major storms.

Bermuda’s rooftops are specially designed not just to withstand hurricanes, but also to collect rainwater—because the island has no natural lakes, rivers, or freshwater springs. According to the government of Bermuda’s Department of Statistics, the roofs are made of white limestone and built in stepped layers that slow the flow of rain, allowing it to be funneled into gutters and stored in underground tanks. This clever design helps capture and conserve as much water as possible. Over time, the limestone also helps purify the rainwater, making it safer for drinking and everyday use.

In the end, while Bermuda is definitely in the path of hurricanes, its natural defenses and smart building choices make it surprisingly resilient. It’s a powerful reminder that thoughtful planning, and respecting the forces of nature, can save lives.