The local Meteorological Office reported that Montserrat experienced winds of between 35-40 mph from the passage of Earl. Approximately 12 inches of rain, fell over a 24-hour period. Landslides, slippages, mudslides, fallen trees as well as downed utility poles and wires were reported. Flooding and blocking of small bridges and loss of roadways was also reported in some areas. Initial assessments of damage was EC $10M based on initial assessments of infrastructural damage.

Source: https://goo.gl/ohcRau

Hurricane Hugo impacted the Caribbean and Virgin Islands crossing Guadeloupe and St. Croix on September 17th and 18th as a category 4 hurricane. Hugo continued northwest and reached the island of Montserrat, several hours later. Although the eye of the hurricane missed Montserrat, Hugo was still producing sustained winds of 140 mph and pounded the island. Nearly every home on Montserrat was destroyed or heavily damaged, leaving 11,000 of the island’s 12,000 people homeless.

Another great hurricane hits the island, this time taking aim on Plymouth and the south of the island. Much of the damage from the hurricane of '24 had been repaired, with the island (relatively) prosperous. The cotton pests were under control and a good harvest was expected. Plans were afoot to generate electricity, make ice, and publish a new newspaper (there had been a couple of unsuccessful ones before). The hurricane put the brakes on all of these wonderful plans.