What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane develops from a tropical cyclone when the storm’s maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1 to 5 rating, or category, based on the hurricane’s maximum sustained winds. It was developed to predict the potential property damage that a hurricane could cause. The scale is based on historical data from past hurricanes with similar characteristics: winds, rainfall, storm surge and central pressure.

A tropical cyclone is a meteorological term for a storm system characterized by a low-pressure center and thunderstorms, that produces strong wind and flooding rain.

Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Minimal Hurricane
Hurricane winds are from 74 to 95 mph
Damage: loose objects, trees and shrubbery

Moderate hurricane
Hurricane winds are from 96 to 110 mph
Damage: trees, loose structures, windows, coastal areas may be evacuated

Moderate hurricane
Hurricane winds are from 96 to 110 mph
Damage: trees, loose structures, windows, coastal areas may be evacuated

Extreme Hurricane
Hurricane winds are from 131 to 155 mph
Damage: widespread and well-inland

Catastrophic Hurricane
Hurricane winds are greater than 155 mph
Damage: Complete failure of roofs and small buildings, extensive shattering of glass, doors blown out, ocean front buildings flattened
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