Hurricane Lenny (1999)

Hurricane Lenny struck the Eastern Caribbean in November 1999, notable for its rare west-to-east track across the region. This unusual approach brought powerful swells and damaging waves directly to Dominica’s west coast, a shoreline usually sheltered from the full force of Atlantic storms. The slow-moving system lingered for days, magnifying its impact and making recovery more difficult.

Impact on Dominica’s West Coast

Dominica’s coastal communities, from Scotts Head to Capuchin, bore the brunt of Hurricane Lenny’s fury. Coastal erosion was severe, with beaches and shoreline roads washed away in places. The capital, Roseau, experienced significant damage to its waterfront infrastructure, including the seawall and port facilities. Many fishing villages lost boats and gear, disrupting livelihoods. Saltwater intrusion into agricultural areas ruined crops, while heavy rains triggered landslides in inland valleys.

Economic and Recovery Challenges

The damage to coastal infrastructure and the fishing industry had an immediate effect on Dominica’s economy. Repairing ports, roads, and protective barriers required substantial government resources at a time when other sectors were also under strain. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of the island’s west coast to unusual storm patterns and reinforced the need for coastal protection measures. In the years following, disaster preparedness strategies were updated to address the possibility of atypical storm tracks like Lenny’s, which remain a rare but serious threat.