Important
Terms To Know
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
|
