- "Y'know the Czech Republic, we don't have to deal with hurricanes."
"We don't get that many in Canada either. Except one called Hazel ... 40 years ago."
"That's interesting."
"Not really." - ―Radek Zelenka and Rodney McKay[src]
A Hurricane is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain or squalls. In 2004, the planet Lantea was facing a severe storm that hits the planet every twenty to thirty years. When they discuss methods to save Atlantis from the flood, Dr. Rodney McKay and Dr. Radek Zelenka discuss the rarity of hurricanes in their home countries, Canada and the Czech Republic, respectively. McKay mentions that Canada was once hit by a hurricane named "Hazel". (SGA: "The Storm")
Behind the scenes[]
- There was indeed a hurricane named Hazel which affected Canada. McKay noted that it took place forty years ago before the events of "The Storm". However, that is incorrect. The hurricane took place in 1954, meaning it took place fifty years before the events of the episode, not forty. It is possible, though, that McKay was either being vague with the dating, or he forgot when it happened.
- Former mayor of Mississauga - a city bordering Toronto - Hazel McCallion also developed the nickname "Hurricane Hazel" in reference to the aforementioned. Her political career began in 1964, in alignment with the forty year time frame. However she was also still very active at the time of the episode, serving as mayor of Mississauga until her retirement in 2014 after 36 consecutive years.