Understanding the Categories of Hurricanes: A Detailed Guide

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Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which measures the intensity of a hurricane by its sustained wind speeds. Here is a detailed breakdown of the categories:

Category 1

  • Wind Speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
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  • Damage: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Category 2

  • Wind Speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
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  • Damage: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
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Category 3

  • Wind Speed: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
  • Damage: Devastating damage will occur. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Category 4

  • Wind Speed: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
  • Damage: Catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5

  • Wind Speed: ≥ 157 mph (≥ 252 km/h)
  • Damage: Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Additional Information

  • The Saffir-Simpson scale does not account for other factors such as rainfall, storm surge, and tornadoes, which can also cause significant damage during a hurricane.
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  • There has been discussion about adding a Category 6 to the scale to classify extremely powerful storms, but this has not been officially adopted as of now.