History of Hurricanes

Major Hurricanes in Antigua and Barbuda

• 1670 – New town of St. John’s rebuilt after French invasion destroyed by hurricane.
• 1795 – Violent hurricane accompanied by an earthquake.
• 1871 – A hurricane blew down Scotch Kirk and one of the two old slave dungeons at Parson Mules and also wiped out an entire village. Thirty-five lives were lost. Antigua was so devastated people emigrated to Trinidad and Guadeloupe.
• 1924 – Two hurricanes hit Antigua. Country pond flooded and split Nevis Street in two.
• 1950 – Two hurricanes struck within 10 days. Most of the wattle and daub houses were destroyed. The village of Hamilton, located between the villages of Bendals and Breaknock, was blown off the map.
• 1989 – Hurricane Hugo passed with full violence felt. Fifteen percent of the houses were damaged and electricity severely affected. Five hundred and nine (509) people were left homeless, two dead, 181 injured. Damage was estimated at $199,999,000.
• 1995 – Hurricane Luis. Two people died and there was extensive damage estimated at $461,484,105.
• 1998 – Hurricane Georges. Two people died. Damage was estimated at $209,999,508.
• 1999 – Hurricanes Jose and Tropical Storm Lenny.One person died from Hurricane Jose and one also died from Tropical Storm Lenny. Estimated damage was $ 207,429,400.
• 2008 – Hurricane Omar. Estimated damage $ 44,942,590.
• 2010 – Hurricane Earl. Estimated damage $ 34,141,390.73.