After crossing the Lesser Antilles, the system entered the Caribbean Sea and achieved hurricane intensity on September 21.

Early on September 25, the cyclone reached Category 4 status and attained maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) soon thereafter.

Early on September 29, the hurricane made landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).

Some islands in the Lesser Antilles experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall, including Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia.

Several small watercraft washed ashore, and numerous wharves, docks, and boat storages suffered impact.

Steadily intensifying, the storm moved west-northwestward and crossed the Lesser Antilles between the islands of Saint Lucia and Martinique several hours later.

Using a pressure-wind relationship, researchers at the National Hurricane Center estimated peak maximum sustained winds at 150 mph (240 km/h).

By 18:00 UTC on September 25, the hurricane made landfall at the same intensity in the eastern part of Pinar del Río Province in Cuba.

It briefly tracked generally northward and approached southeastern Louisiana before re-curving northeastward late the next day.

At 02:00 UTC on September 29, the hurricane made landfall near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h).

[3] The minimum atmospheric pressure of 928 mbar (27.4 inHg) established the cyclone as the third most intense landfalling Cuban hurricane.

[5] On September 21, the United States Weather Bureau issued advisories because of strong swells in the Leeward Islands, indicating the presence of a tropical disturbance.

[6] A relief committed issued an appeal for aid to then-Cuban president Mario García Menocal and Americans.

[10] On September 23, northeast storm warnings were issued for the Florida coast from West Palm Beach to Boca Grande.

[6] On September 25, the Weather Bureau advised marine traffic to remain alert in the Gulf of Mexico, noting that the intensity of the storm was unknown.

[6] The Louisville and Nashville Railroad sent trains on alternate routes because of eroded tracks near Lake Catherine.

[15] The hurricane severed communication from Pensacola, Florida, though reports eventually indicated that the wireless radio plant was not destroyed.

[15] Several small watercraft washed ashore, including the USS Quincy, and numerous wharves, docks, and boat storages received damage.

[18] Significant destruction of timber occurred in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, and crops, structures, and livestock were affected.