Hurricane Luis was a powerful category 4 hurricane that is considered one of the strongest hurricanes in history that made landfall on St. Maarten/ St. Martin territory. Hurricane Luis is also known along with Hurricanes Humberto, Iris, and Karen, and is one of four simultaneous tropical systems in the Atlantic basin. The winds of Hurricane Luis swept the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin for approximately 21 hours. The strength of Hurricane Luis sustained winds that lasted up to eight hours.
In St. Maarten/ St. Martin, during Hurricane Luis in 1995, the barometric pressure fell between 963 bar to 964 bar (28.4 inHg to 28.5 inHg) and the winds were about 87 mph (140 km/h). There were also winds with maximum gusts of 114 mph (183 km/h). There was a total of 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain that was recorded on St. Maarten/ St. Martin over a period of 48 hours.
Some areas on the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin spend almost three months without water and power after Hurricane Luis. There were at least 5,000 people living on the Dutch side of St. Maarten that were left homeless. Total damages in St. Maarten/ St. Martin were absolutely catastrophic with up to $1.8 billion (€1.7 billion). A high percentage of residences became uninhabitable, such as some businesses, some churches, the main terminal at Princess Juliana International Airport, a few schools, and even four hotels on the island. There were nine official deaths in Sint Maarten/ St. Martin after Hurricane Luis in 1995.
Due to this experience, the people of St. Maarten/ St. Martin started to take some precautions and prepared an action plan in case of hurricanes, thanks to this they have been able to take better care of the people living on the island during the hurricane season, which is between the 1st of June and the 30th of November. After Hurricane Luis, the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin was struck in the following years by numerous hurricanes such as Hurricane Bertha in 1996, Hurricane Erika in 1997, Hurricane Georges in 1998, Hurricane Jose and Hurricane Lenny in 1999, and Hurricane Debby in 2000.
Table of Contents
- When did Hurricane Luis hit Sint Maarten?
- How long did Hurricane Luis last?
- How was the French side of St. Martin affected by Hurricane Luis?
- How was the Dutch side of St. Maarten affected by Hurricane Luis?
- Which side of Sint Maarten was damaged the most by Hurricane Luis?
- How has Sint Maarten recovered from Hurricane Luis?
- How often do hurricanes occur in St. Maarten?
- Is St. Maarten safe for tourists?
When did Hurricane Luis hit Sint Maarten?
Hurricane Luis hit St. Maarten on September 3, 1995.
Where did hurricane Luis hit St. Martin?
Hurricane Luis hit St. Martin on the southern part of the Dutch side of the island. Seventy percent of the residences in the capital city of Philipsburg and places nearby could not be occupied due to damage caused by the storm on Dutch St. Maarten, this included some schools, businesses, churches, and hotels.
How long did Hurricane Luis last?
Hurricane Luis lasted two days from September 3 to September 5, 1995.
How much rainfall was recorded in Sint Maarten during Hurricane Luis?
There was a total of 6.5 inches (165.1 mm) of rain recorded on the island of Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin during Hurricane Luis which was classified as a category 4 storm.
How was the French side of St. Martin affected by Hurricane Luis?
The French side of St. Martin was also affected by Hurricane Luis. Hurricane Luis caused extensive vegetation damage as well as damage in at least 50% of homes in places like Marigot and Grand Case. The damage caused on the French side of St. Martin forced more than 1,5000 residents to leave their homes, and one person was sadly reported dead. Hurricane Luis devastated Saint Martin to the point of making it inaccessible by air or sea for two days. Approximately 2,000 people were left homeless by Hurricane Luis, which left St. Martin without electricity, running water, or telephone service.
What was the wind speed of Hurricane Luis recorded on the French side of St. Martin?
The wind speed of Hurricane Luis recorded on the French side of St. Martin was approximately over 130 mph (210 km/h).
How were the residential areas in French St. Martin affected by Hurricane Luis?
The residential areas in French St. Martin were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Luis. It is estimated that almost every home just in Grand Case Bay was damaged or destroyed by rough sea conditions and strong winds. In the residential areas of French St. Martin, food and drinking water were distributed to those affected. About 950 to 2,000 residents of Saint Martin were homeless due to the damage done to at least 50% of the homes on the island.
How was the Dutch side of St. Maarten affected by Hurricane Luis?
The Dutch side of St. Maarten received more catastrophic damage than the French side of the island. As much as 70% of Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, was destroyed by the storm. Nearly 15% of the Dutch residences became uninhabitable, including churches, hotels, businesses, schools, and also the main airport terminal. Approximately 21 hours of tropical storm wind shook the island, while hurricane-force sustained winds lasted up to eight hours as Hurricane Luis passed.
As a result of the flooding caused by Hurricane Luis, several streets were flooded, including the Great Salt Pond. There were eight confirmed deaths in Sint Maarten, but there were probably more deaths caused by drownings in the lagoon. It is estimated that around $1.8 billion (€1.7 billion) worth of damages was sustained on the Dutch side.
What was the wind speed of Hurricane Luis recorded on the Dutch side of St. Maarten?
The wind speed of Hurricane Luis that was recorded on the Dutch side of St. Maarten was 87 mph (140 km/h). There were maximum winds of up to 114 mph (183 km/h) in Dutch St. Maarten. The barometric pressure also fell between 963 bar to 964 bar (28.4 inHg to 28.5 inHg).
How were the residential areas in Dutch St. Maarten affected by Hurricane Luis?
The residential areas in Dutch St. Maarten were damaged by Hurricane Luis and some of them became uninhabitable. A consequence of Hurricane Luis in St. Maarten was the total shutoff of electricity and water for more than three months in some areas. More than 5,000 people living in the residential areas in Dutch St. Maarten were left homeless because of Hurricane Luis in 1995.
Which side of Sint Maarten was damaged the most by Hurricane Luis?
The southern part of Dutch Sint Maarten received more catastrophic damage than any other part on the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin. As a result of heavy rains and the overflow of Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Luis. Although nine deaths were counted on the Dutch side of St. Maarten/ St. Martin, more are believed to have drowned in the Great Salt Pond.
How much was the cost of damage made by Hurricane Luis in Sint Maarten?
The total cost of damages made by Hurricane Luis in Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin was approximately more than $2 billion (€1.9 billion). The cost of damage caused by Hurricane Luis in Dutch Sint Maarten was around $1.8 billion (€1.7 billion). The cost of damage caused by Hurricane Luis in French Saint Martin was around $350 million (€343 million).
How has Sint Maarten recovered from Hurricane Luis?
The people of St. Maarten began to clean up and rebuild as soon as they were out of danger from Hurricane Luis. The Netherlands and France sent military aid, food, and first aid to assist the rescue services. Hurricane Luis in 1995 was considered one of the worst storms that hit the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin before Hurricane Irma in 2017. In order to prevent more fatalities during hurricane season, the communities became more aware of hurricane safety.
As part of a plan of precaution during hurricane season, most of the high-tension electricity distribution lines in St. Maarten/ St. Martin were moved underground after Hurricane Luis. Residents of St. Maarten/ St. Martin also learned to prepare for hurricane season by doing some things such as stocking up on food and essential supplies, protecting their windows, and cleaning the streets.
How often do hurricanes occur in St. Maarten?
Hurricanes in St. Maarten/ St. Martin occur at least once per year. Although destructive hurricanes in Sint Maarten do not always occur, there are always some hurricanes in St. Maarten/St. Martin during the hurricane season which is from the 1st of June to the 30th of November. As a result of the climate characteristics of St. Maarten/St. Martin, it is usual for the hurricane season to last from early June through late November.
Has there been another Hurricane in St. Maarten after Hurricane Luis?
Yes, there has been another hurricane in St. Maarten after Hurricane Luis. The island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin experiences hurricane season every year from the 1st of June to the 30th of November. Some of the hurricanes that have occurred in St. Maarten/ St. Martin after Hurricane Luis are Hurricane Lenny in 1999, Hurricane Earl in 2010, Hurricane Gonzalo in 2014, Hurricane Maria in 2017, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
Is St. Maarten safe for tourists?
Yes, St. Maarten/ St. Martin is safe for tourists. As visiting any other country, there are a few things to know before going to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin and enjoying a really good and safe time such as avoiding walking alone at night, asking the hotel for a taxi if needed, or even keeping the passport on the room hotel. Some other things that visitors should know before going to St. Maarten/ St. Martin are that tourists can use dollars and euros when shopping. Tourists also should know that there are no taxes when shopping in St. Maarten/ St. Martin, and there are so many shopping centers, restaurants, and activities to choose from.