 With a Category 4 hurricane forecast to track directly over the Leeward Islands , hurricane warnings were issued for several islands by September 4 . The ridge located north of Luis began to weaken by this time , leading to slower forward movement to 12 mph ( 19 km / h ) . Outflow to the north of the hurricane weakened slightly as a distinct area of dry air developed around the weakening ridge . Late on September 4 , the hurricane 's eye began to shrink , a possible indication of strengthening . An area of low pressure over Florida cut off from a trough would eventually cause Luis to slow significantly and cause a northward turn . On September 5 , Hurricane Luis weakened slightly , with winds decreasing to 135 mph ( 215 km / h ) , before tracking directly over Barbuda . The eyewall of the storm brushed Antigua , St. Barthelemy , St. Martin and Anguilla . Sustained winds on these islands were recorded up to 80 mph ( 130 km / h ) with gusts up to 155 mph ( 250 km / h ) . The eye of Luis was estimated to be 46 mi ( 74 km ) in diameter at this time . Operationally , the NHC briefly downgraded Luis to a Category 3 hurricane as it passed through the islands due to the formation of concentric eyewalls ; however , in post @-@ season analysis , it was determined that the storm never weakened below Category 4 status while passing through the Leeward Islands . 
