The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Category One Hurricane 74-95 mph

Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal; no real damage to building structures; damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees; some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category Two Hurricane 96-110 mph

Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal; some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings; considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers; coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center.

Category Three Hurricane 111-130 mph

Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal; low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center; terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.

Category Four Hurricane 131-155 mph

Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal; more extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences; extensive damage to doors and windows; terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles.

Category Five Hurricane winds greater than 155 mph

Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal; complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings; all shrubs, trees, and signs blown down; major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline; massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline may be required.

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