The May 7, 1842 earthquake caused extensive damage all along northern Hispaniola. Cap-Haitien was violently shaken by an MS 8.1 earthquake (19.5 N, 72.1 W) which occurred in the Northern Depression of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). It extended from Samana to Mole St. Nicolas, and crossing the Windward Passage, was felt along the Sierra Maestra in Cuba, and throughout the Antilles.

After leaving the Southern Windwards, hurricane Flora moved on a fairly smooth and regular track toward the southwestern Haitian peninsula gradually acquiring a more northward component. The vortex entered the Haitian south coast at Côtes-de-Fer and calms were noted at Fonds-des-Nègres and Anse-à-Veau. Winds of 102 m.p.h were noted at Côtes-de-Fer

Considerable damage and loss of life resulted in Haiti, especially in the southwest peninsula. This area is very mountainous, with peaks up to almost 8000 feet in the western portion. High winds and seas and torrential rains resulted in floods and landslides which accounted for the loss of life estimated between 400 and 1000 including 200 or more buried in landslides.