The effects of Hurricane Ivan in the Lesser Antilles and South America in September 2004 included 44 deaths and over $1 billion in damage, primarily in Grenadavwhere it was considered the worst hurricane in nearly 50 years. Hurricane Ivan developed from a tropical wave on September 2 and rapidly intensified to become a major hurricane, passing through the southern Lesser Antilles on September 7 with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h). At the time, its tropical storm force winds extended outward up to 160 miles (260 km) with hurricane force winds outward to 70 miles (110 km). The northern portion of the eye passed over Grenada, killing 39 people and causing the worst damage in the region: the damage total of $1.1 billion represented 200% of its GDP. The hurricane damaged more than 14,000 homes in Grenada; 30% of the houses were destroyed, leaving about 18,000 people homeless.