Hurricanes, the most dangerous storms on Earth, are a force to be reckoned with. The strength of a storm will influence the outcome for affected areas, which can range from only minor property damage to complete destruction.

Thanks to meteorologist Robert Simpson and wind engineer Herb Saffir, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) can distribute easily understandable alerts and warnings to the public using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This basic formula is used by the NHC to categorize hurricanes based on their fastest sustained wind speeds.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was developed in the early 1970s by Simpson and Saffir. It is still used to this day to communicate storm intensity and the type of damage it could inflict once it approaches an area or makes landfall.

What Are the Categories of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

• Category 1 – 74 to 95 mph winds
• Category 2 – 96 to 110 mph winds
• Category 3 – 111 to 129 mph winds
• Category 4 – 130 to 156 mph winds
• Category 5 – 157 mph winds or higher

How Does Each Category Differ on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

1. Category 1 means very dangerous winds (74 to 95 mph) will produce some damage, including snapped branches, toppled trees and extensive power line damage leading to power outages. Even the most well-built homes may suffer roof, vinyl siding and gutter damage. Category 1 storms can be particularly dangerous because underestimations of their strength or ferocity may cause some Floridians to ignore warnings, fail to adequately prepare their homes or stay when they should evacuate.
2. Category 2 means extremely dangerous winds (96 to 110 mph) will cause extensive damage including uprooted trees and near-total power loss that could persist for days or weeks. Even well-constructed homes can sustain major roof and siding damage.
3. Category 3 means intense winds (111 to 129 mph) and devastating damage, including many snapped or fallen trees and no access to electricity and water for days or weeks after the storm passes. Well-built framed homes will likely suffer roof decking damage or removal.
4. Category 4 means violent winds (130 to 156 mph) that will cause catastrophic damage, including uprooted trees and downed power poles that will isolate residential areas and lead to power outages lasting weeks or even months in some areas. Communities in the direct path of a Category 4 storm will most likely be uninhabitable during that time. Well-constructed homes will suffer severe damage and may suffer the loss of exterior walls and/or the entire roof structure.
5. Category 5 means horrific winds (157 mph or higher) leading to catastrophic damage, likely leaving communities uninhabitable with no power or other utilities for weeks or months. A high percentage of well-built homes will be destroyed.

Are There Other Dangers Not Communicated by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

Yes, there are four other hurricane dangers to consider that the Saffir-Simpson scale does not address, including storm surge, rainfall, flooding, tornados and rip currents. It is possible for any hurricane to bring these dangers along with it. Sometimes, forecasters may not be aware of all the dangers until the hurricane approaches or makes landfall.

Although it’s imperfect, the Saffir-Simpson scale offers a convenient shorthand that is familiar to all Floridians. It makes it fairly easy to communicate risk and motivate people to get to safety. 

At What Category Should You Evacuate During a Hurricane in Florida?

You should heed any evacuation warning that goes into effect for the area in which you live or work, regardless of category. 

The most important thing about evacuation procedures in Florida is to always know your zone. The deadliest danger of a hurricane is storm surge, and low-lying coastal areas and communities on the shores of lakes, wetlands and rivers are extremely vulnerable to surge flooding.

If an evacuation order is issued by your county, they will announce the zones that are in danger. Residents in those zones are advised to adhere to evacuation orders and find a secure shelter. If you live in a “low-lying” area, chances are you also live in a flood zone — which are the places most susceptible to flooding from storm surge and heavy rain.

To find out if you live in a flood zone, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to search your address.