Hurricane categories

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

There are five categories for hurricanes. Wind speeds determine what category a storm is. Category one hurricanes have wind speeds of 75 to 95 miles per hour. These wind speeds will cause some damage. The damage to well-built houses will likely be roof damage, damage to the shingles, and vinyl siding and gutters. Trees with shallow roots may be uprooted, and the large branches will snap. Power lines will have extensive damage that may cause power outages that could last up to several days. Category two wind speeds continue at 96 to 110 miles per hour with similar damage to homes as a category one hurricane but more severe. This means damage to roofs and siding will have more damage and snapped or fallen trees will be more likely to block roads. Expect near-total power losses for several days to weeks. A category three hurricane is considered a major storm. The wind speeds reach up to 111 to 129 miles per hour. The damage incurred to a well-structured home will be severe and may even remove an entire roof, decking, and gable ends. Trees will snap or be uprooted and block numerous roads along with power and water outages several days or weeks even after the storm has passed. A category four hurricane’s wind speeds are measured at 130 to 156 miles per hour. A cyclone in this category is considered a significant storm that will incur catastrophic damage. Trees and power poles will be uprooted and isolate many residential areas leaving them with no power or water for weeks. Roofs and exterior walls will be severely damaged, and a majority of the site will be uninhabitable. A category five has wind speeds of 157 miles per hour or faster. A hurricane of this category will cause extreme catastrophic damage. Most homes, well-built or not, will be destroyed with total roof failure and structure collapses. Trees and power poles will be fallen over, blocking roads. There will not be water or electricity for many weeks to months. The area will be considered uninhabitable until the area is cleared and repaired. SERVPRO of South Cabarrus County works diligently to help in such distressing disasters to make it “Like it never even happened.” Our goal is always to help where we are capable.