Hurricane Categories
Wind Damage
The extent of wind damage is based upon the hurricane's strength or wind speed. The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir Simpson Scale to classify hurricanes by their wind speeds into five categories.
Category 1--Winds 74 to 95 mph.
- Minimal structural damage
- Mobile homes at risk
- Power lines, signs and tree branches blown down
- Storm surge--4 to 5 feet
Category 2--Winds 96 to 110 mph.
- Moderate structural damage to walls, roofs and windows
- Mobile homes at greater risk
- Large signs and tree branches blown down
- Storm surge--6 to 8 feet
Category 3--Winds 111 to 130 mph.
- Extensive structural damage to walls, roofs and windows
- Trees blown down
- Storm surge--9 to 12 feet
Category 4--Winds 131 to 155 mph.
- Extreme damage to structures and roofs
- Trees uprooted
- Storm surge--13 to 18 feet
Category 5--Winds in excess of 155 mph.
- Catastrophic damage
- Structures destroyed
- Storm surge--18 feet or higher
Flying debris or projectiles such as signs, trees, glass, roof shingles, lawn furniture and toys can cause severe property damage as well as major injuries or even death.
