Effects of Hurricane Georges in the Lesser Antilles
The effects of Hurricane Georges in the Lesser Antilles were minimal in certain islands and major on others. Georges had formed on September 15, 1998, off the African coast. It had quickly strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale on September 20 when it struck the Lesser Antilles with 115 mph (185 km/h) winds. The islands affected include Antigua, Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Maarten. St. Kitts and Nevis were also affected and sustained the most damage at US$484 million.
Hurricane Georges approaching the Lesser Antilles
Director of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority showing the islands' improved power grid structures
Hurricane Georges near peak intensity on September 20
Effects of Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico
The effects of Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico included $2 billion in damages and five fatalities. Hurricane Georges was the first hurricane to cross the entire island since the San Ciprian Hurricane in 1932. Georges formed on September 15 as Tropical Depression Seven off the African coast. Georges strengthened into a Category 4-hurricane on September 19 as it made landfall in the Lesser Antilles. Georges made landfall on the island on September 21 as a Category 3-hurricane. Georges caused $3 billion in damage to the island.
A home destroyed by Georges in Toa Baja
Victor Rojas Bridge, had collapsed in 1998 with the forces from Hurricane George