In case you’re faced with a potentially devastating disaster like a hurricane, it’s good to prepare yourself for what’s to come. That includes knowing what to expect when you hear a hurricane is a Category 1, a Category 5, or any point in between.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale uses a rating scale of 1 to 5, based on a hurricane's continuous wind speed, to estimate potential property damage. The higher the rating, the more dangerous the hurricane — and the more increased potential for major damage and significant loss of life.
Here’s a list of the five hurricane categories and what to expect if one comes to your area.
Category 1 Hurricane
Hurricane Barry is an example of a Category 1 storm that hit Louisiana in 2019.
- Winds of 74-95 mph
- Damage primarily to shrubbery, tree foliage and unanchored mobile homes
- No real damage to other structures
- Some damage to poorly constructed signs
- Storm surge four to five feet above normal
- Low-lying coastal roads flooded
- Minor pier damage
- Small craft in exposed anchorages torn from moorings
Category 2 Hurricane
Hurricane Rita was a very intense Category 2 hurricane that caused significant damage to the Gulf Coast in 2005.
- Winds of 96-110 mph
- Considerable damage to tree foliage, some trees down
- Major damage to exposed mobile homes
- Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs
- Some damage to roofing
- Storm surge six to eight feet above normal
- Coastal roads and low-lying inland escape routes blocked by rising water
- Considerable damage to piers
- Marinas flooded
- Small crafts in unprotected anchorages torn from moorings
- Required evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying islands
Category 3 Hurricane
Hurricane Katrina was a Category 3 storm with winds near 127 mph, causing severe flooding damage in cities from New Orleans, Louisiana to Biloxi, Mississippi.
- Winds of 111-130 mph
- Devastating damage
- Many trees snapped or uprooted, blocking roads
- Flying and falling debris
- High risk of injury or death to people, livestock and pets
- Nearly all older mobile homes destroyed
- Newer mobile homes may experience significant damage
- Major damage to frame homes, apartments and industrial buildings
- Electricity and water unavailable for several days to weeks after storm passes
Category 4 Hurricane
Hurricane Ike was a Category 4 hurricane that caused catastrophic damage to the Bahamas, Haiti and the United States. It’s the third most damaging storm in U.S. history.
- Winds of 131-155 mph
- Shrubs and trees down, all signs down
- Extensive damage to roofing, windows and doors
- Roof collapse
- Complete destruction of mobile homes
- Storm surge 13 to 18 feet above normal
- Flat terrain 10 feet or less above sea level flooded inland as far as six miles
- Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding, waves and floating debris
- Low-lying water three to five hours before hurricane center arrives
- Major erosion of beaches
- Massive evacuation may be required for all residences within 500 yards of shore
- Possible evacuation of single-story residences on low ground within two miles of shore
Category 5 Hurricane
Hurricane Andrew was a Category 5 storm that hit South Florida in 1992 with wind speeds of 165 miles per hour. Total damages from Andrew exceeded 25 billion dollars.
- Winds greater than 155 mph
- Shrubs and trees down, considerable damage to roofing, all signs down
- Severe and extensive damage to windows and doors
- Complete roof collapse
- Destruction of glass in windows and doors
- Some complete building failures
- Small buildings overturned or blown away
- Complete destruction of mobile homes
- Storm surge higher than 18 feet above normal
- Major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of shore
- Low-lying escape routes inland cut off by rising water three to five hours before hurricane center arrives
- Massive evacuation may be required for residential areas on low ground within five to 10 miles of shore
While a standard homeowners’ insurance policy can cover wind storm damage from a hurricane, it doesn’t cover flooding. For more information on flood insurance contact your local Alfa® agent. Contact your local Alfa agent today to learn more.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the coverages, conditions and exclusions.
