What Damage Can You Expect From A Hurricane
To better understand the type of damage you may experience, hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale based on their intensity. The scale starts at 1, which is a minimal hurricane, and 5 being the strongest.
CATEGORY 1
Wind speed: 119-153 km/h 974-95 mph)
Damage potential: Minimal damage primarily to shrubbery, trees and foliage; some coastal flooding and possible minor damage to boats.
CATEGORY 2
Wind speed: 154-177 km/h (96-110 mph)
Damage potential: Moderate damage to trees; some roof, window and door damage; coastal flooding requiring evacuation; damage to boats.
CATEGORY 3
Wind speed: 178-209 km/h (111-130 mph)
Damage potential: Extensive damage experienced with large trees blown down; structural damage to small buildings, serious coastal flooding; evacuation necessary; coastal structures damaged and destroyed.
CATEGORY 4
Wind speed: 210-249 km/h (155 mph)
Damage potential: Extreme damage experienced; extensive destruction of trees and buildings, large-scale flooding, major damage to structures, and possible evacuation from low ground within about 16 km of shore.
CATEGORY 5
Wind speed: 250 km/h (> 156 mph)
Damage potential: Catastrophic; trees down, extensive building damage; coastal area below 3m flooded up to 10 km inland, major damage to coastal structures, beaches eroded and massive evacuation near coast.
