1932 San Ciprián hurricane

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The 1932 San Ciprián hurricane was one of Puerto Rico’s strongest storms. It formed on September 25 east of the Windward Islands, rapidly strengthened, and hit Puerto Rico on September 27 as a Category 4 hurricane with about 145 mph winds and a pressure of 943 mb. The storm crossed the island from east to west for about seven hours, then weakened as it moved into the Caribbean and eventually dissipated on October 2. Its effects were felt across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, with a total toll of 272 deaths and about $35.8 million in damage (1932 USD).

In Puerto Rico, the hurricane caused immense destruction: 257 people were killed and 4,820 injured. More than 40,000 homes were destroyed and about 25,000 people were left homeless. Property damage was around $15.6 million and crop losses around $20 million, with citrus and coffee hardest hit. In the Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas saw strong damage, about 15 deaths, and more than $200,000 in property losses; winds of 60–90 mph affected smaller areas as well. The storm also brushed Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the British Honduras area as it weakened, before finally fading on October 2.

To help, Puerto Rico formed relief and rehabilitation committees and worked with the Red Cross and federal agencies to provide aid. Thousands were left in distress, and the storm’s agricultural and housing losses were felt across the island, prompting long-term recovery efforts.