Explainer | What does it mean to reach a 4 or 5 on the hurricane scale?
The intensity of a hurricane is classified within the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, which categorizes them from 1 to 5 based on the speed of their sustained winds. Right now, Milton has just dropped from a 5 to a 4 on the scale. This is what can happen in each of the categories, according to the US National Weather Service:
– Category 1: Winds from between 119 and 152 kilometers per hour (74 to 95 miles) that “are very dangerous and cause some damage.” They typically do not cause damage to well-built structures, but wooden homes and buildings can experience damage to their roofs. Tree branches fall. There may be power outages for days.
– Category 2: Winds from between 154 and 177 kilometers per hour (96 to 110 miles) that are “extremely dangerous and cause extensive damage.” Homes can suffer significant damage to roofs and wall coverings. Many trees with shallow roots can fall and block roads. It can cause almost total power losses with outages lasting several days and even weeks.
– Category 3: Winds from between 178 and 208 kilometers per hour (111 to 129 miles per hour) causing “devastating damage.” They can cause structural damage to homes and small buildings, such as loss of roofs and gables. Roads are blocked by falling trees. There are power outages and other services for days or weeks after the storm.
– Category 4: Winds from between 209 and 251 kilometers per hour (130 to 156 miles) causing “catastrophic damage.” Well-built homes can suffer severe damage, with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees are broken or uprooted and electricity poles fall. Power outages last weeks and even months. Most of the area becomes uninhabitable for weeks or months.
– Category 5: Sustained winds greater than 252 kilometers per hour (more than 157 miles) causing “catastrophic damage” with total collapses of roofs and walls of residences and industrial buildings. The complete destruction of wooden residences occurs frequently. Trees and power poles fall and power outages last weeks and even months. Most of the area remains uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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