AdriansWeather.com

The intensity of a hurricane (or tropical cyclone) is measured by the highest sustained wind speed found within it.

Once it becomes a hurricane, the relative strength of that hurricane is also measured on a scale based on its greatest wind speed. This scale is named the Saffir-Simpson scale from the man who invented it.

The Saffir-Simpson scale categorizes hurricanes on a scale from 1 to 5. Category 1 hurricanes are the weakest, and 5's the most intense.

Hurricanes strong enough to be considered "intense" start at Category 3, or with sustained winds exceeding 96 knots (111 mph).

Keep the following Categories in mind
if a hurricane is coming YOUR way:

CATEGORY 1
Winds 74 to 95 mph and/or a storm surge four to five feet above normal. No real damage to buildings is likely. Some damage expected to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage may be expected.

My opinion only: "You can probably ride it out in a structurally safe and prepared home, (but have good snacks and plenty of water on hand). And count on it -- you're going to lose electric power."

  You MIGHT be able to weather it but be very careful!!

CATEGORY 2
Winds 96 to 110 mph and/or a storm surge six to eight feet above normal. Buildings will receive some roof, door, and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes will likely flood two to four hours before the arrival of the hurricane's center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages will lose moorings.

In my opinion, that means, "MAYBE you can ride it out in a structurally safe and prepared home, but don't take any chances (and be ready to evacuate).

               Batten Down the Hatches!

CATEGORY 3
Winds 111 to 130 mph and/or a storm surge nine to 12 feet above normal. Structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes frequently are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys small structures and larger structures are damaged by floating debris. Terrain lower than five feet above sea level is flooded eight or more miles inland.

To me, that would mean, "It is probably a really good idea to START EVACUATION PROCEDURES IMMEDIATELY."

                                  EVACUATE !!!

CATEORY 4
Winds 131 to 155 mph and/or a storm surge 13 to 18 feet above normal. Extensive outside wall failure with complete roof failure on small residences. Major erosions of beaches and major damage to the lower floors of buildings near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded and evacuation of residential areas may be required.

In my opinion, that means, "GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE! NOW! It's a LOT worse than that picture."

                              I HOPE YOU LEFT !!!

CATEGORY 5
Winds greater than 155 mph and/or a storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and buildings and complete destruction of small utility buildings can be expected. Major damage likely to structures.

"I HOPE YOU'VE ALREADY LEFT BECAUSE, IF NOT, YOU'RE IN BAD SHAPE" (and if you choose to stay, write your Social Security Number, with a black Marker, on your arm and on your leg so that your body can be identified).

                       IT WAS NICE KNOWING YOU....