The Five Categories of Hurricane Strength

Tropical Depression - Tropical Storm - Category 1-5 Hurricane

The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale is a classification used for some western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms. The scale divides hurricanes into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. This scale and hurricane force winds are not the only factors that must be considered though. Storm surge and water rise, wave height, flooding from rain, and tornados spawned from a hurricane can also have a major impact on the loss of life and property.

Category 1. Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour.
	Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage, and mobile homes. No real wind damage to other structures. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorage torn from moorings.
Category 2. Winds of 96 to 110 miles per hour.
	Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage; some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile homes. Extensive damage too poorly constructed signs. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. No major wind damage to buildings. Considerable damage could occur to piers. Marinas flooded. Small craft may be torn from moorings.
Category 3. Winds of 111 to 130 miles per hour.
	Foliage torn from trees; large trees blown down. Practically all poorly constructed signs blown down. Some damage to roofing materials of buildings; some window and door damage. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Serious flooding at coast and many smaller structures near coast destroyed; larger structures near coast damaged by battering waves and floating debris.
Category 4. Winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour.
	Many shrubs and trees are blown down and most street signs are damaged. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many small residences. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering by waves and floating debris. Major erosion of beaches.
Category 5. Winds greater than 155 miles per hour.
	Shrubs and trees are blown down; considerable damage to roofs of buildings and all signs are damaged or destroyed. There would be very severe and extensive damage to windows and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many residences and industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors would occur. Some complete building failures. Small buildings overturned or blown away. Complete destruction of mobile homes.

While these wind categories are valuable tools is estimating the potential impact of hurricanes and tropical storms, Mother Nature has a way of throwing human logic out the window. Prepare ahead of time: create an evacuation plan for your family and your pets, stock up on food, medicine, supplies and water. Secure your home or business with code approved hurricane shutters or impact windows.