Hurricanes are rated on a 1-to-5 scale from weakest to
strongest. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used to
estimate property damage and coastal flooding expected from
landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor.
CATEGORY 1
Winds: 74 to 95 mph
Storm surge: 4 to 5 feetDamage: Minimal; primarily to
foliage, unanchored mobile homes and poorly constructed
signs
CATEGORY 2
Winds: 96 to 110 mph
Storm surge: 6 to 8 feet
Damage: Moderate; heavy damage to mobile homes; some damage
to house roofs, windows
CATEGORY 3
Winds: 111 to 130 mph
Storm surge: 9 to 12 feet
Damage: Extensive; mobile homes destroyed; structural damage
to buildings; foliage torn from trees
CATEGORY 4
Winds: 131 to 155 mph
Storm surge: 13 to 18 feet
Damage: Extreme; heavy damage to homes; large trees uprooted
CATEGORY 5
Winds: 156 mph or greater
Storm surge: Above 18 feet
Damage: Catastrophic; small buildings blown away or
overturned; few, if any, trees left standing
SOURCE: National Hurricane Center |
