Hurricane Categories

9/1/2019 (Permalink)

Along the Gulf Coast we are all too familiar with hurricanes.  Most of us have seen at least one in our lifetime and know the devastating effects that they can have.  Depending on the size and scale of the storm these effects can be lingering and the rebuilding process lengthy.  That is not to say that small storms still can’t cause extensive damage.  Here at SERVPRO of Mobile County, we have even seen summer thunderstorms bring about torrential flooding and a whole slew of problems.  Statistics will show however, that the larger and more powerful the storm, the more pervasive the damage left behind in its wake.  Do you know how hurricanes are categorized?  Hurricanes are rated based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  It has categories ranging from 1-5 based on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed.  This scale estimates the potential damage that will be left behind based on the hurricane’s configuration.

• Category 1 – Wind Speed 74-96 mph
• Category 2 – Wind Speed 97-110 mph
• Category 3 – Wind Speed 111-129 mph
• Category 4 – Wind Speed 130-156 mph
• Category 5 – Wind Speed 157 mph or higher

No matter what category the storm falls in to, SERVPRO of Mobile County wants you to always be prepared.  For disaster preparedness tips, CLICK HERE to be taken the American Red Cross’ website.