Hurricane Categories
The following table shows the various hurricane categories, as rated by wind speed, and provides
the height of the storm surge and the probable effects.
|
|
CAT |
Winds
& Effects
|
Surge |
|
1 |
74-95
mph |
4-5
ft |
| |
No
real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to
unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some
coastal flooding and minor pier damage. |
|
|
2 |
96-110
mph |
6-8
ft |
| |
Some
roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage
to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers and
small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. |
|
|
3 |
111-130
mph |
9-12
ft |
| |
Some
structural damage to small residences and utility buildings,
with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are
destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures
with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may
be flooded well inland. |
|
|
4 |
131-155
mph |
13-18
ft |
| |
More
extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure
failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas.
Terrain may be flooded well inland. |
|
|
5 |
155
mph+ |
18
ft + |
| |
Complete
roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some
complete building failures with small utility buildings blown
over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of
all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of
residential areas may be required. |
|
|
|
