How Hurricane Erin Could Have Changed History on 9/11

The Perfect Storm

In mid-2001, according to weather.gov, Hurricane Erin formed off the coast of Africa, barreling toward the United States as a Category 4 hurricane. Simultaneously, Al-Qaeda terrorists were finalizing their plan to hijack four commercial airliners and use them as weapons of mass destruction. As Erin gained strength, it became increasingly clear that it would make landfall on the East Coast around the same time as the planned attacks.

Had Hurricane Erin continued on its projected path, it would have likely made landfall near New York City just hours before the planned attacks. This would have caused widespread flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions, potentially grounding flights and making it impossible for the hijackers to carry out their plans.

However, just days before it was set to hit the U.S., Erin suddenly weakened and veered away from the East Coast. It made landfall instead in Florida, causing minimal damage. This unexpected change in the hurricane's path allowed the attacks to proceed as planned.

Could Erin Have Prevented 9/11?

It’s impossible to say for certain whether Hurricane Erin could have prevented 9/11. However, it’s clear that the storm had the potential to disrupt the terrorists’ plans and make it more difficult for them to carry out the attacks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recognized the potential impact of natural disasters on terrorist activity. In 2011, FEMA released a report outlining the ways in which natural disasters can create opportunities for terrorists. The report notes that natural disasters can disrupt communications, transportation, and infrastructure, making it more difficult for law enforcement and emergency responders to track and apprehend terrorists. Additionally, natural disasters can create a sense of chaos and confusion, which can be exploited by terrorists to carry out attacks.

In the case of 9/11, Hurricane Erin could have created a similar set of circumstances. The storm could have disrupted communications, making it difficult for law enforcement to track the hijackers. It could have also caused power outages, making it difficult for air traffic controllers to monitor flights. And it could have created a sense of chaos and confusion, which could have allowed the hijackers to blend in with the crowd and carry out their attacks.

Conclusion

It’s impossible to know for sure whether Hurricane Erin could have prevented 9/11. However, it’s clear that the storm had the potential to disrupt the terrorists’ plans and make it more difficult for them to carry out the attacks. The case of Hurricane Erin is a reminder that natural disasters can have a significant impact on national security, and that it’s important to be prepared for the potential consequences of these events.