The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE

Category One Hurricane:

Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees.

Category Two Hurricane:

Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roof, door, and window damage to buildings.

Category Three Hurricane:

Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences.

Category Four Hurricane:

Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes.

Category Five Hurricane:

Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many buildings and some complete building failures. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe window and door damage.