According to National Hurricane Centerthe Hurricane Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale (which estimates potential property damage) is a rating of 1 to 5, based on the sustained wind speed of a hurricane.
According to the Hurricane Center, hurricanes designated Category 3 and higher are considered major due to their potential for loss of life and significant damage.
Category 1 hurricane
Sustained winds are 74 mph to 95 mph.
How would this affect you? Very dangerous winds would cause damage — to roofs, shingles and gutters; knock down trees; damage power lines; and probably 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 probable power outages.
Category 3 hurricane (major)
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 hurricane (major)
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 utility poles, power outages, water shortages.
Category 5 hurricane (major)
Sustained winds are 157 mph and above.
How would this affect you? Catastrophic damage will occur – a high percentage of houses will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse; fallen trees; downed electric poles; power outages; water shortages.
Is there a category 6 hurricane?
Is there a category 6 hurricane? No. Although there has been interest on search engines for a Category 6 hurricane classification, there is no such category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
