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Hurricanes . . .
Important Terms to Know
Hurricane Terms & Categories
Details of Catagories 1-5 with wind speeds and effects using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
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| TROPICAL
STORM Winds of 39-73 mph |
HURRICANE Constant wind speed of 74 mph + |
| HURRICANE
WATCH Possible threat to area within 24 to 36 hours |
HURRICANE
WARNING Hurricane conditions expected within 12-24 hours |
| STORM
SURGE Extremely large volumes of water driven on-land by a storm. May cause extensive flooding. |
|
HURRICANE
DAMAGE POTENTIAL SCALE (Saffir/Simpson Scale)
Measures strength and impact of a Hurricane
| CATEGORY | WINDS (mph) | TIDES (feet) | DAMAGES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74-95 | 4 -5 | Minimal |
| 2 | 96-110 | 6-8 | Moderate |
| 3 | 111-130 | 9-12 | Extensive |
| 4 | 131-155 | 13-18 | Extreme |
| 5 | 156 + | 18 + | Catastrophic |
Minimal
- Damage to shrubs and tree foliage Damage to unanchored mobile homes Little damage to other structures Low-lying coastal roads flooded Minor pier damage
- Small boats in exposed areas torn from moorings
Moderate
- Some small trees uprooted Major damage to mobile homes Some damage to roof materials Considerable damage to piers and marinas flooded Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes cut off
- Evacuation of shoreline homes in low-lying areas
Extensive
- Large trees blown down Mobile homes destroyed Damage to roofs, windows and doors Structural damage to small buildings Major beach erosion and coastal flooding Possible evacuation of residents within 500 yards of shore
- Possible evacuation of low-lying one-story homes within 2 miles of shore
Extreme
- Signs blown down Mobile Homes Destroyed Complete failure of roofs on small homes
- Flat terrain less than 10 ft above sea level flooded
Catastrophic
- Massive evacuation of low-lying areas within 5-10 miles of shore
- Major damage to structures less than 15 ft above sea level near shore
City of Chesapeake, Virginia