American visitor Scott Nelson could not believe the irony of being caught up in Hurricane Florence ? because he won his trip to Bermuda in an auction for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Little did he realise when he placed the top bid in a silent auction in his home town of Laplata, Maryland, last October, what fate had in store.

"I won it in an auction for Katrina and then I end up here! There's literally been nothing apart from one or two tropical storms here since I won it," said a rueful Mr. Nelson, 37, who arrived on Saturday and is staying at the St. George's Club.

Instead of sunning himself on the beach, he spent yesterday holed up at the cottage colony where he is staying with his sister and a friend. "We started to drink and play cards. There was no cable, but at least we still have power," he said.

However, the experience has not ruined the party's first trip to Bermuda. Mr. Nelson's friend, Annette Ridgeway, 39, from Bethesda, Maryland, said: "Everyone is so friendly. That's the wonderful thing."

One of those keeping up the tradition of Bermudian hospitality in the midst of Florence was former Mayor of St. George, E. Michael Jones.

By early afternoon yesterday, he had the doors of his coffee shop Cyber Cafe Latte open to anyone in need of refreshment, or Internet access.

"I'm operating as a charity today and tomorrow for anyone who wants coffee or just to charge up their cell phones," said Mr. Jones, as parts of the town continued without power.

He refused to take any payment from grateful visitors and locals who came by after Florence had done her worst.

He had kept his doors open all day on Sunday too, despite every other shop in the old capital being firmly shut. He is proud of this tradition of hospitality at his Water Street premises which was also open at 9 a.m. the morning after Hurricane Fabian.

He was able to offer words of reassurance to any visitors with concerns, stressing how strong Bermuda's homes are.

Speaking before the hurricane, he told : "Some of them are frightened at the thought of being in a hurricane ? in particular American visitors who remember Katrina.

"Fortunately, Bermudian homes are built to withstand hurricanes and are safe. But Katrina will be vivid for them."

Although St. George's emerged virtually unscathed from the winds ? with the exception of some tree damage ? there was one reported case of looting at the English Sport Shop.

Mayor Mariea Caisey said she was disappointed to hear about this. "It's unfortunate people stoop so low at this time," she said.

However, she expressed relief that the town had not suffered any major damage.