Hurricane Categories
Once a hurricane forms, it is rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. There are five categories in this rating system.
| Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale | ||
| Category | Wind Speed | Effects |
| 1 | 74 to 95 mph (119 to 153 kph) |
|
| 2 | 96 to 110 mph (155 to 177 kph) |
|
| 3 | 111 to 130 mph (178.6 to 209 kph) |
|
| 4 | 131 to 154 mph (210 to 247.8 kph) |
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| 5 | >155 mph (> 249.4 kph) |
|
Hurricanes in categories 3, 4 and 5 can cause widespread damage, from severe inland flooding to the loss of life, property, agriculture and livestock. In the next section, we'll look at how this damage occurs.
Weather Alerts
According to The Weather Channel Online, there are four weather alerts for tropical storms and hurricanes. Depending on where you are located in proximity to the storm, you may find yourself under one of these alerts:
- Tropical-storm watch
- Tropical-storm warning
- Hurricane watch
- Hurricane warning
A tropical-storm watch is issued when sustained winds from 39 to 73 mph (54.7 to 117.48 kph / 34 to 63 kt) are possible in your area within 36 hours. A tropical-storm warning indicates that these conditions are likely in your area within 24 hours.
A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than 74 mph / 119 kph / 64 kt) are possible in your area within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when these conditions are likely in your area within 24 hours.
