On September 7th, the day of its closest approach, Hurricane Fabian was approximately 600 km southeast of the island. By that time the hurricane's peak winds were about 80 knots. Sable Island did not receive any of the rain or wind associated with Hurricane Fabian. However, as ocean swell caused by the hurricane reached the island on the morning of the 7th, waves surged over the berm and flooded the south beach.
South beach, view to the southwest: before and after flooding.