Hurricane Basics

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

  • Tropical Storm
    Winds 39-73 mph

  • Category 1 Hurricane — winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt)
    No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes. Some damage to poorly constructed signs.     Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage.
    - Examples: Irene 1999 and Allison 1995

  • Category 2 Hurricane — winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt)
    Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to mobile homes.     Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. Some trees blown down.
    -     Examples: Bonnie 1998, Georges(FL & LA) 1998 and Gloria 1985

  • Category 3 Hurricane — winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt)
    Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed.     Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
    - Examples: Keith 2000, Fran 1996, Opal 1995, Alicia 1983 and Betsy 1965

  • Category 4 Hurricane — winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt)
    More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
    - Examples: Hugo 1989 and Donna 1960

  • Category 5 Hurricane — winds 156 mph and up (135+ kt)
    Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.
    -     Examples: Andrew(FL) 1992, Camille 1969 and Labor Day 1935

Watches & Warnings

  • TROPICAL STORM WATCH
    A tropical storm watch is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 miles per hour (mph), pose a possible threat to a specified coastal area within 36 hours.

  • TROPICAL STORM WARNING
    A tropical storm warning is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds from 39 to 73 mph, are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

  • HURRICANE WATCH
    A hurricane watch is issued for a specified coastal area for which a hurricane or a hurricane-related hazard is a possible threat within 36 hours.

  • HURRICANE WARNING
    A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues, even though the winds may have subsided below hurricane intensity.

  • INLAND TROPICAL STORM WATCH
    Issued for interior counties when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph associated with a tropical storm are possible within 36 hours.

  • INLAND TROPICAL STORM WARNING
    Issued for interior counties when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph associated with a tropical storm are expected within 24 hours.

  • INLAND HURRICANE WATCH
    Issued for interior counties when sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are possible within 36 hours.

  • INLAND HURRICANE WARNING
    Issued for interior counties that sustained winds of 74 mph or greater associated with a hurricane are expected within 24 hours.

  • TORNADO WATCH
    Issued to alert the public that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. These watches are issued with information concerning the watch area and the length of time they are in effect.

  • TORNADO WARNING
    Issued by local NWS offices to warn the public that a tornado has been sighted by storm spotters, law enforcement or has been indicated by radar. These warnings are issued with information concerning where the tornado is presently located and which communities are in the anticipated path of the tornado.

  • FLASH FLOOD WATCH
    A flash flood watch means a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert.
  • FLASH FLOOD WARNING
    A flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent and everyone in the area should take immediate action.
 

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