gilbert passed to the south of the cayman islands early on september 13, with one reported gust of . however, the islands largely escaped the hurricane due to gilbert's quick forward motion. damage was mitigated because the depth of the water surrounding the islands limited the height of the storm surge to there was very severe damage to crops, trees, pastures, and a number of private homes.<ref name="hurricanecity/cayman islands"></ref> at least 50 people were left homeless and losses were expected to be in the millions.