Are Hurricanes assigned magnitudes?

Yes. Hurricanes are categorized from 1 through 5, by the Saffir/Simpson Scale. These magnitudes are assigned in accordance to the amount of potential damage and wind speed.

Category One
Winds of 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 feet above normal. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, power lines and trees.
Example: Hurricane Katrina (Florida), 2005.

Category Two
Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some damage to roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to trees, mobile homes, small boats in unprotected anchorages and piers.
Example: Hurricane Wilma, 2005.

Category Three
Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 feet above normal. Some structural damage to homes and buildings. Heavy damage/destruction of trees and mobile homes.
Example: Hurricane Frances, 2004.

Category Four
Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 feet above normal. More extensive roof damage on small homes. Shrubs, trees and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Lowlying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before the arrival of the center of the hurricane.
Example: Hurricane Charley, 2004.

Category Five
Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally more than18 feet above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. All shrubs, trees and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water three to five hours before the arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline.
Example: Hurricane Andrew, 1992.

Contact Us with any questions or comments about our Hurricane Preparedness Information.