Hurricane classifications: What are the 5 hurricane categories? Is there a Category 6?
According to the National Hurricane Center, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (which estimates potential property damage) is a rating of 1 to 5, based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed.
Hurricanes designated Category 3 and above are considered major because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage, according to the Hurricane Center.
Category 1 hurricane
Sustained winds are 74 mph to 95 mph.
How would this affect you? Very dangerous winds would produce some damage — to roofs, shingles and gutters; toppling trees; damaging power lines; and likely creating power outages.
Category 2 hurricane
Sustained winds are 96 mph to 110 mph.
How would this affect you? Extremely dangerous winds would cause extensive damage — major roof damage, toppled trees, uprooted trees, damaged power lines and likely power outages.
Category 3 (major) hurricane
Sustained winds are 111 mph to 129 mph.
How would this affect you? Devastating damage will occur — extensive roof damage, toppled and uprooted trees, power outages and water shortages.
Category 4 (major) hurricane
Sustained winds are 130 mph to 156 mph.
How would this affect you? Catastrophic damage will occur — severe damage to roofs, exterior walls, toppled trees, downed power poles, power outages, water shortages.
Category 5 (major) hurricane
Sustained winds are 157 mph and higher.
How would this affect you? Catastrophic damage will occur — a high percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse; fallen trees; downed power poles; power outages; water shortages.
Is there such a thing as a Category 6 hurricane?
No. Although there has been interest shown for a Category 6 hurricane classification, there is no such category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: What are the 5 hurricane categories, and how dangerous is each one?
