What do hurricane categories mean?
Hurricanes are categorized based on wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes in five categories, with categories 3,4, and 5 being major hurricanes.
- occur.
- Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Catastrophic damage will occur.
- A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
