Hurricanes and Their Categories

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Hurricanes and Their Categories

Category 1: There will be very dangerous winds that could produce some damage. (Winds- 74-95 mph.)

Although, category 1 storms aren’t as severe as a category 3, it should still be considered dangerous. The winds will be very strong causing buildings to have damage to their roof, siding, and gutters. Extensive damage to power lines and poles can result in power outages that could last several days.

Category 2: There will could be extensive damage due to extremely dangerous winds. (Winds- 96-110 mph.)

In a category 2 the winds are much stronger, which could cause extreme damage to your property, such as, major roof and siding damage. Trees could snap or be uprooted and cause road blocks. Power loss is could last from several days to weeks.

Category 3: Devastating damage will occur. (Winds- 111-129 mph.)

Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered to be major because of their potential for significant loss of life and property damage. Your property may sustain major damage. Until the storm passes, electricity and water will be unavailable for several weeks.

Category 4: Catastrophic damage is expected. (Winds- 130-156 mph.)

Buildings and homes may have severe damage with the loss of the roof and some exterior walls. Trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles will be down, causing residential areas to be isolated. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months.

Category 5: Catastrophic damage is expected. (Winds- More than 157 mph.)

There is more of a chance that most homes will be destroyed. There will be a considerable number of fallen trees and power poles. Most of the community may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Looking to for more information on Hurricanes:

Storm Information: National Hurricane Center- http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

American Red Cross- http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane

FEMA- https://www.fema.gov/

             https://www.ready.gov/

Photo Credit: https://weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/saffir-simpson-hurricane-wind-scale

Content Credit: S.C. Emergency Management Division