 As a small but rapidly intensifying hurricane , Janet passed just south of Barbados on September 22 , becoming the first hurricane to strike the island in 57 years , since the 1898 Windward Islands Hurricane . Maximum sustained winds on the south side of the island were estimated to be between 110 – 120 mph ( 180 – 190 km / h ) . The strong winds knocked out communication lines , preventing officials from accurately enumerating casualties on the island , though communications were still maintained by commercial cable companies and amateur radio . Electric power was later restored , allowing newspapers to publish information on the storm . Sugar cane , the island country 's main source of revenue , was severely damaged , with losses estimated to be in excess of $ 1 million . Poorly constructed dwellings were blown apart by the strong winds . An estimated 8 @,@ 100 homes were damaged by the hurricane . The destroyed buildings and trees blocked highways , and the Seawell Airport was forced to close . Heavy rains peaked at 4 in ( 100 mm ) and a storm surge of 7 ft ( 2 @.@ 1 m ) swept away low @-@ lying houses along the coast . An estimated 2 @,@ 000 people were left homeless due to the hurricane . Property damage on Barbados was estimated to be $ 5 million , and at least 57 people were killed . 
