Hurricane Allen (1980)

Hurricane Allen (1980) brushed past Dominica in early August with destructive winds and heavy rains that, while not as catastrophic as previous storms, added pressure to an already fragile post-Hurricane David recovery.

Impact of Hurricane Allen on Dominica

Although Dominica was not directly in the storm’s path, the effects of Hurricane Allen, a Category 5 hurricane, were still deeply felt across the island. Torrential rains triggered localized flooding, while powerful gusts uprooted crops and damaged vulnerable infrastructure. This storm struck less than a year after the devastation of Hurricane David, making Allen’s impact especially difficult for communities that were still recovering.

Dominica’s agriculture sector—then a critical pillar of its economy—suffered losses, particularly in banana plantations, root crops, and citrus fruit. Many rural communities were temporarily cut off due to landslides and washed-out roadways. Though no direct fatalities were recorded in Dominica from Hurricane Allen, the psychological toll and economic damage compounded the nation’s vulnerability.

Allen served as a reminder of Dominica’s exposure to frequent hurricanes and reinforced the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The storm’s legacy continues to inform policies and planning strategies across the island to this day.