1930 Dominican Republic Hurricane - Impact

Impact

Winds of 80 to 100 mph (160 km/h) were reported on Dominica, with winds of hurricane force winds reported across the Lesser Antilles. The hurricane wrecked crops across the island and destroyed every ship at the harbor, killing 2 people. Rough seas also occurred along the coast of Saint Kitts, and a ship recorded a pressure of 969 mbar near the island.

In southern Puerto Rico, the winds reached less than hurricane force, which caused minor to moderate damage to plantations. Rainfall across the island was dispersed unusually; the maximum amount on the island was over 6 inches (150 mm) in Cabo Rojo on the southwestern portion of the island, while the minimum amount was under 1 inch (25 mm) at a location in the center of the southern coastline. Rainfall reached over 2 inches (51 mm) inches along the northern coast, with totals varying from 1 inch (25 mm) to 4 inches (100 mm) in the mountainous interior. The precipitation was considered generally beneficial, due to previously dry conditions across the island.

On September 3 the storm was a Category 4 when it struck the Dominican Republic capital city of Santo Domingo, leaving a path of destruction around 20 miles (32 km) wide. Wind gusts in the city were estimated from 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) to 200 miles per hour (320 km/h); a gust of 180 miles per hour (290 km/h) was recorded by a Pan-American Airways anemometer before it was blown away. Similarly, another observation in the capital city recorded winds of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) before the roof it was on was damaged. It was estimated as among the strongest hurricanes on record to strike the country. Three entire districts of the city were almost completely destroyed, and an Associated Press report indicated there was a wreck of a wall left standing. Overall, the hurricane leveled about half of the entire city. Due to its small nature, villagers 75 miles (120 km) from the landfall location had no knowledge of the storm. Heavy rainfall from the storm flooded the Ozama River and increased its flow to 15 mph (24 km/h), which prevented boats from traversing the river. The passage of the hurricane caused severe damage estimated at $15–$50 million (1930 USD), with the storm considered a major disaster in the area. The Red Cross estimated 2,000 people perished in the city, with an additional 8,000 injured. However, the death toll may never be known, and historians estimate the hurricane left between 2,000 to 8,000 killed.

Minor effects were reported away from the coast; the mountainous terrain of Hispaniola greatly weakened the hurricane, which prevented significant amounts of further deaths or damage. Effects in the mountainous areas included downed trees and crop damage. In Haiti, the hurricane produced locally gusty winds and heavy amounts of rainfall, though exact damage details for the nation are unknown. Despite crossing the island of Cuba, no damage or deaths were reported there. Upon moving through the U.S. state of Florida, the storm remained severely weakened; during its passage a pressure of 1006 mbar was reported in Tampa, the lowest pressure in the state. The threat of the hurricane prompted the National Weather Bureau to issue storm warnings from Southport, North Carolina through the Virginia Capes. The strongest winds remained offshore, with minor damage reported along the Outer Banks. On Cape Lookout, the hurricane downed 12 small-frame buildings and damaged the city's Coast Guard headquarters. Power outages were also reported, leaving some areas on the Outer Banks isolated from communication to the outside world.