[2] Ione remained weak for the next few days, and then began to steadily intensify as it moved north of the Lesser Antilles, reaching hurricane strength on September 15.

[2] Conditions were favorable for additional development, and Ione peaked with winds of 140 miles per hour (230 km/h) on September 18 while north of the Bahamas.

[6] Recent flooding, from Hurricane Diane, along the Delaware River kept residents along its banks alert should the storm strike, business owners were also ready to move their merchandise if the need arose.

[7] Flights were canceled in New York, firemen stood at the ready in Staten Island, and the Coast Guard warned shipping companies of the impending storm.

[7] A boxing match between Rocky Marciano and Archie Moore was delayed, which allowed the promoters to sell an additional $150,000 (1955) in tickets, which is $1.71 million in present-day figures.

[8] September 18 was a gloomy day in Swan Quarter, North Carolina and winds did not significantly increase until between 2 and 3 p.m.[9] By 9:30 p.m., strong winds buffeted the area from the east-northeast and the electricity went out at around 10:50 p.m.[9] Area homes flooded for the first time since Barbara of the 1953 Atlantic hurricane season and the tides increased until 8:45 a.m. on September 19 before rapidly rising between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.[9] The Lake Causeway was partially washed out towards New Holland.

[9] HMTS Monarch, which had departed from Newfoundland, was laying telephone cable across the Atlantic ocean when Ione crossed its path.

[14] Ione caused seven deaths in North Carolina, a low number attributed to well-executed warnings and effectiveness of relief groups such as the Red Cross.

[3][13] Ione made landfall in Newfoundland, Canada during the evening of September 21 as a tropical storm and as a result cause wind and rain damage.

[15] Three flights were cancelled, schools were closed and the ferry service between Bell Island and Portugal Cove was disrupted.