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Hurricane Guide

TBO > Weather > Hurricane

Measuring A Hurricane

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

Emergency officials use the Saffir-Simpson scale to decide which areas to evacuate. It ranks hurricanes from Category 1 (minimal) to Category 5 (catastrophic).

Category 1

Wind: 74 to 95 mph

Storm surge: 4 to 5 feet

Damage: Minimal

Example: Hurricane Gaston in 2004

Category 2

Wind: 96 to 110 mph

Storm surge: 6 to 8 feet

Damage: Moderate

Example: Hurricane Frances in 2004

Category 3

Wind: 111 to 130 mph

Storm surge: 9 to 12 feet

Damage: Extensive

Example: Hurricanes Jeanne and Ivan in 2004

Category 4

Wind: 131 to 155 mph

Storm surge: 13 to 18 feet

Damage: Extreme

Example: Hurricane Charley in 2004

Category 5

Wind: 156 mph plus

Storm surge: Higher than 18 feet

Damage: Catastrophic

Example: Hurricane Andrew in 1992

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