Saint Martin, an island in the northeast Caribbean, has faced numerous powerful storms throughout its history. These hurricanes have left lasting impacts on the island’s landscape and its communities.
Understanding the history of these storms helps in preparing for future events and learning from past experiences.
This article examines ten of the most significant hurricanes to ever strike Saint Martin.
The severity of these storms is measured by their wind speeds, the damage they inflicted, and their impact on the local population.
From the devastating Hurricane Luis in 1995 to the catastrophic Hurricane Irma in 2017, each storm has a story to tell.
1. Hurricane Luis (1995)
Hurricane Luis was a powerful Category 4 hurricane that struck Saint Martin in September 1995. It was part of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season and was one of the most intense storms to hit the region.
Luis made landfall with winds reaching 149 mph (240 km/h).
The winds caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure on the island, including the complete destruction of several structures.
The island’s barometric pressure fell significantly during the storm, between 963 and 964 bar (28.4 inHg to 28.5 inHg).
The hurricane also brought maximum wind gusts of up to 114 mph (183 km/h), leading to significant coastal flooding and erosion.
Hurricane Luis caused 19 fatalities and left seven hotels, including the Coralita Hotel, abandoned as they never recovered from the storm.
The impact of the storm was felt for years as the island rebuilt.
Read more about Hurricane Luis.
2. Hurricane Irma (2017)
Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 hurricane that struck Saint Martin in early September 2017. With winds reaching 177 mph (285 km/h), it caused significant damage.
Irma ripped roofs off buildings, flattened homes, and filled streets with debris.
There were 8 fatalities, 23 injuries, and 7,000 inhabitants displaced due to the storm’s impact.
Irma was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Leeward Islands, leaving a trail of destruction.
It resulted in over $77 billion worth of damage across its path and claimed 134 lives.
This storm is remembered as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record in the open Atlantic region.
For more detailed information, visit Hurricane Irma in St. Maarten and Hurricane Irma 2017.
3. Hurricane Donna (1960)
Hurricane Donna, a Cape Verde-type hurricane, was a major storm in 1960. It formed near Cape Verde off the African coast on August 29, 1960.
By September 1, Donna had intensified into a hurricane and continued its path across the Atlantic. It caused extensive damage on Saint Martin, leaving at least a quarter of the population homeless.
Wind gusts reached 125 mph (201 km/h), and the pressure dropped to 952 mbar (28.1 inHg) at the main airport in Sint Maarten.
Hurricane Donna also brought heavy rainfall, leading to significant flooding and destruction on the island.
4. Hurricane Marilyn (1995)
Hurricane Marilyn struck the Caribbean in September 1995. It was a Category 3 hurricane. The storm caused major damage to Saint Martin and nearby islands.
On Saint Martin, many homes and buildings were destroyed.
Significant losses were reported in terms of both property and infrastructure. High winds and heavy rain led to widespread flooding.
The hurricane impacted other areas in the region as well.
For instance, St. Thomas experienced substantial damage, with about 80% of homes and businesses being damaged or destroyed.
The overall cost of the storm was estimated to be over $1.5 billion.
Marilyn stands out as one of the most destructive storms to affect the area in recent history.
The region’s recovery was gradual and required extensive aid efforts.
Marilyn’s legacy is remembered for its severe impact on the community and the environment.
5. Hurricane Jose (1999)
Hurricane Jose hit Saint Martin in October 1999. It was the tenth named storm of the hurricane season that year. Jose developed from a tropical wave and quickly intensified.
Jose reached its peak intensity with winds of 85 knots. Its path took it over the northern Leeward Islands, including Saint Martin, on October 20.
The storm caused moderate damage as it moved through the area.
Increasing southwest winds began to weaken Jose before it downgraded to a tropical storm near Tortola.
For more details, you can visit Stormcarib’s season report.
6. Hurricane Gonzalo (2014)
Hurricane Gonzalo struck Saint Martin in October 2014. The storm started as a tropical storm and was upgraded to a hurricane on October 13th as it neared Saint Martin and Anguilla. Gonzalo brought hurricane-force winds to the area, causing significant damage.
The storm was notable for being the first Category 4 Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Ophelia in 2011.
Gonzalo’s winds and rain impacted Saint Martin and the northern Leeward Islands.
Residents of Saint Martin were still recovering from previous storms when Gonzalo hit.
This hurricane demonstrated the ongoing vulnerability of the region to powerful tropical cyclones.
The memory of Hurricane Gonzalo remains a reminder of the destructive power of these storms.
7. Hurricane Lenny (1999)
In November 1999, Hurricane Lenny struck the Caribbean, impacting St. Martin particularly hard. With winds reaching up to 100 mph, it was a powerful storm.
Lenny was notable for its unusual track. Instead of moving westward like most hurricanes, it traveled eastward across the Caribbean.
This hurricane was significant for its strength, being a Category 4 storm.
It brought extensive rainfall and caused severe flooding and damage across the island.
Learn more about Hurricane Lenny and its impact on the region.
8. Hurricane Hugo (1989)
Hurricane Hugo was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Saint Martin. It arose from a cluster of thunderstorms near Cape Verde on September 10, 1989.
Hugo caused widespread destruction in the northeastern Caribbean. The wind speeds and tidal surges led to severe damage across the island.
In addition to Saint Martin, Hugo devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The storm caused approximately $7 billion in damage across its path.
9. Hurricane Dean (2007)
Hurricane Dean was one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean in 2007. As a Category 5 hurricane, it displayed intense wind speeds and significant rainfall.
Dean originated as a Cape Verde hurricane and moved westward across the Atlantic Ocean. It passed near Jamaica and eventually made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Dean caused extensive damage in its path.
It recorded wind speeds up to 175 mph.
The storm resulted in many fatalities and left substantial destruction in various regions.
Saint Martin experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Dean’s intense conditions impacted infrastructure and disrupted daily life. Emergency services were on high alert during the storm’s passage.
10. Hurricane Bertha (1996)
Hurricane Bertha struck in July 1996 and was an intense early-season storm. It began as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa.
Bertha strengthened during its path across the Atlantic. It reached the Leeward Islands first and continued through to the United States.
Bertha caused significant damage, especially in North Carolina, where it made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of up to 116 mph.
The storm also affected Saint Martin, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the island.
Historically Significant Storms
Saint Martin has faced several devastating hurricanes over the years. Two of the most memorable are Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Luis, each causing significant damage and leaving lasting impacts on the island.
Impact of Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma is remembered as one of the worst natural disasters to strike Saint Martin. Striking in September 2017, Irma brought extreme winds of up to 185 mph (approx. 298 km/h), causing massive destruction across the island.
Buildings were flattened, trees uprooted, and infrastructure heavily damaged.
The hurricane left about 95% of buildings damaged or destroyed, displacing many residents.
This catastrophe resulted in an estimated $7.15 billion (€7.32 billion) in damages.
Recovery efforts took years, with significant international aid required to rebuild and restore normalcy.
The scale of the devastation made Irma a defining moment in Saint Martin’s modern history.
Legacy of Hurricane Luis
Hurricane Luis made a severe impact on September 12, 1995. As a Category 4 storm, it brought winds of 149 mph (240 km/h) sweeping through the island, causing substantial damage. The hurricane resulted in 19 fatalities and left many homes and structures ruined.
While the physical remnants of Hurricane Luis are no longer visible, its impact molded the island’s disaster preparedness strategies.
Comprehensive rebuilding efforts followed, leading to significant improvements in infrastructure and resilience measures.
Saint Martin’s recovery after Luis demonstrated the community’s strength and ability to rebuild, setting a precedent for handling future storms.
Climate Factors Influencing Storms
Saint Martin’s climate and geographic position play significant roles in the development and intensity of storms. These factors determine the likelihood of storms hitting the island and influence their severity.
Geographic Location
Saint Martin is located in the Caribbean, an area prone to hurricanes.
The island sits within the Atlantic hurricane belt, making it highly susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes.
Its position between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean creates a condition where warm, moist air can fuel storm formation.
Latitude: Situated at about 18 degrees North, Saint Martin lies in a zone where hurricanes frequently develop.
Proximity to sea: Surrounded by warm waters, the island provides the ideal oceanic conditions for storm development.
Warm sea surface temperatures contribute to the energy and moisture needed for hurricanes to form and strengthen.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The hurricane season in Saint Martin runs from June to November. During this period, weather patterns create conditions that are conducive to storm development.
Temperature: High temperatures during the summer months cause ocean waters to warm up, providing the necessary heat energy for storm formation.
Humidity: The high humidity levels in the region contribute moisture to the atmosphere, which is essential for storm development. Tropical storms and hurricanes thrive on this moisture.
Wind patterns: Trade winds, which blow from east to west, can help guide hurricanes toward Saint Martin. These winds can also contribute to the structure and organization of storms, making them more intense.
Storm Preparedness and Safety Measures
Taking steps to ensure safety during storms is crucial. This section covers essential components such as planning evacuation routes and gathering emergency supplies.
Evacuation Plans
Evacuation plans are vital in storm preparedness.
Residents should know their area’s evacuation routes and follow guidance from local authorities.
Identifying multiple routes helps avoid congestion and delays.
Families should establish a meeting point if separated.
Communication plans are essential.
Assign a family member as the check-in contact.
Keep a list of important phone numbers handy.
It is also important to have a transportation plan.
Ensure vehicles are fueled and ready.
People without personal transport should know the location of public transportation pick-up points.
Pet owners need to plan for their animals.
Identify pet-friendly shelters and include pet supplies in the evacuation kit.
Emergency Supplies
Having well-stocked emergency supplies can make a significant difference during and after a storm.
Essentials should include water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days) and non-perishable food.
A first-aid kit, including prescription medications, is necessary.
Items like adhesive bandages, disinfectants, and pain relievers should be included.
Flashlights and extra batteries are important for power outages.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide critical information and updates.
Additional supplies might include multi-purpose tools, blankets, face masks, and sanitation items like hand sanitizers and wet wipes.
Important documents should be stored in a waterproof container.
These documents include identification, insurance policies, and medical records.