 |
Watch
out for the storm surge! |
The storm surge can generate waves as high as 50 feet. Most coastal hurricane related deaths are associated with the storm surge. |
|
Watch
out for the storm surge! |
The storm surge can generate waves as high as 50 feet. Most coastal hurricane related deaths are associated with the storm surge. |
Hurricane Categories
by John Paul
The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Damage-Potential Scale separates hurricanes into five different categories. The scale relates hurricane intensity (central pressure, winds, and storm surge) to damage potential. Category one is the weakest and five is the strongest. The scale is useful for making decisions about public safety.
Category one - Winds 74-95 mph. Damage is minimal, usually to shrubs, trees, and unanchored mobile homes. Storm surges of 4 to 5 feet above normal.
Category two - Winds 96-110 mph. Considerable damage to trees (blown down). Major damage to roofing materials of buildings, some window and door damage. Storm surges 6 to 8 feet above normal.
Category three - Winds 111-130 mph. Extensive damage, large trees blown down, damage to roofing materials. Some structural damage to small buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surges of 9 to 12 feet above normal.
Category four - Winds 131-155 mph. Shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Extreme damage to roofing materials, windows, door, and destruction of mobile homes. Storm surges of 13 to 18 feet above normal.
Category five - Winds greater than 155 mph. Catastrophic damage to trees, shrubs, roofs, and all signs blown down. Extensive shattering of glass in windows and doors. Some complete building failures. Small buildings overturned or blown away. Storm surges greater than 18 feet above normal.
Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Damage-Potential Scale
Category |
Central Pressure (inches) |
Winds (mph) |
Surge (feet) |
Damage |
1 |
>= 28.94 |
74 - 95 |
4 - 5 |
Minimal |
2 |
28.50 - 28.91 |
96 - 110 |
6 - 8 |
Moderate |
3 |
27.91 - 28.47 |
111 - 130 |
9 - 12 |
Extensive |
4 |
27.17 - 27.88 |
131 - 155 |
13 - 18 |
Extreme |
5 |
< 27.17 |
> 155 |
> 18 |
Catastrophic |
Top Five Deadliest Hurricanes
| Rank | Hurricane | Date/Year | Casualities |
| 1 | "The Great Hurricane"* | Oct. 10-16, 1780 | 22,000+ |
| 2 | Hurricane Mitch | Oct. 26-Nov.4, 1998 | 11,000 |
| 3 | Galveston, Texas* | Sept. 8, 1900 | 8,000 |
| 4 | Hurricane Fifi | Sept. 14-19, 1974 | 8,000 |
| 5 | Dominican Republic* | Sept. 1-6, 1930 | 8,000 |
*Storms were not named until the early 1950s |
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The Top Five Costliest Hurricanes In The United States 1900-1996
The top 5 Atlantic cyclones to strike the U.S. mainland are listed.
Rank |
Hurricane |
Year |
Damage (U.S.) |
1 |
Andrew (SE FL/ SE LA) | 1992 |
$26,500,000,000 |
2 |
Hugo (SC) | 1989 |
$7,000,000,000 |
3 |
Fran (NC) | 1996 |
$3,200,000,000 |
4 |
Opal (NW FL/AL) | 1995 |
$3,000,000,000 |
5 |
Frederic (AL/MS) | 1979 |
$2,300,000,000 |
Rank |
Hurricane |
Year |
Category |
1 |
FL (Keys) * |
1935 |
5 |
2 |
Camille(MS/SE LA/VA) |
1969 |
5 |
3 |
Andrew (SE FL/ SE LA) |
1992 |
4 |
4 |
FL (Keys)/S TX * |
1919 |
4 |
5 |
FL (Lake Okeechobee) * |
1928 |
4 |
| *Storms were not named until the early 1950s | |||