Stages of a Hurricane
Tropical Storm: Tropical storms are also characterized by their wind speeds. Any storm with wind speeds of 39-73 mph is considered a tropical storm.
Category 1: Characterized by winds 75-95 mph. Most danger from these storms comes from flying or falling debris. Older and poorly constructed homes may be in danger. Power lines could be damaged due to falling debris and outages could last a few days. Hurricane Irene was a category one storm.
Category 2: Characterized by winds 96-110 mph. In addition to dangers described for a category one storm, category two storms pose a threat to well-constructed homes’ roofs and siding. Power outages will be more widespread, and trees could easily be uprooted to cause significant road blockage. 2003’s Hurricane Marty was a category two storm.
Category 3: Characterized by winds 111-130 mph. Most older mobile homes will be damaged, if not destroyed. Buildings can collapse and unprotected windows could be blown out. Electricity and water may become unavailable for days or weeks at a time, and trees will be uprooted and block roads. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 was a category three storm.
Category 4: Characterized by winds 131-155 mph. Poorly constructed homes could experience complete collapse, and some well-built homes could experience a loss of roof structure and exterior walls. Large amounts of windborne debris can cause damage to unprotected windows and property. The high number of uprooted or damaged trees will isolate residential areas through a loss of power that could last for weeks. There is potential for long-term water shortages. Hurricane Charley in 2004 was a category four storm.
Category 5: Characterized by winds greater than 155 mph. People are at great risk of injury from fallen debris, even when inside. Almost all mobile housing will collapse, regardless of age. Windborne debris will damage unprotected and protected windows. Significant damage to homes’ exterior walls and roofs will occur. Power outages that could last for months will isolate residential areas. Clean water will be in short supply and the area could be uninhabitable for weeks. 1992’s Hurricane Andrew was a category five storm.
Information from the National Weather service website, www.weather.gov
