The intense humidity of the past summer has brought about five major tropical storms to the east coast.

One such storm, Karl, is passing Bermuda on its way to the Atlantic Coast. Stormy weather  is common this time of year, as humidity in the southern Atlantic Ocean mixed with wind and water currents send many hurricanes or minor storms to the eastern United States.

At this point in the week, Karl is not yet at hurricane status as it passes Bermuda, but meteorologists suspect it may climb up to a Category 2 or 3 by the time it reaches the East Coast.

Watches and warnings about storms like Karl attest that they are of genuine concern, but many residents who are used to both the humidity and the storms see little reason for panic. The beaches remain open, both figuratively and literally, as the coastline silently braces itself for stormy seas.