The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates storms between one and five based on the hurricane's current intensity. It’s used to estimate the possible property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a storm’s landfall. 

Category One

Has winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour and a storm surge around four or five feet above normal. No real damage done to buildings, some damage done to unanchored mobile homes, trees and shrubs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage can be expected.

Category Two

Has winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour and a storm surge around six to eight feet above normal. Some damage to roofs, doors and windows. Major damage to shrubs and trees, including downed trees. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs and piers.

Category Three

Has winds between 110 and 130 miles per hour and a storm surge around nine to 12 feet above normal. Possible limited structural damage to small homes and utility buildings. Expect damage to shrubs and trees, including large trees down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are generally destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are covered by rising water between three and five hours before the arrival of the hurricane’s center. Flooding near the coast destroys small structures damaged by battering from floating debris. Land that is lower than five feet above sea level may be flooded eight miles inland or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline may be required.

Category Four

Has winds between 131 and 155 miles per hour and a storm surge of around 13 and 18 feet above normal. Complete roof structure failures on some residences. Shrubs, trees and signs will all blow down. Complete destruction of mobile homes and extensive damage of most residences doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes are covered by rising water between three and five hours before the arrival of the hurricane’s center. Major damage to lower floors of structures.

Category Five

Has winds greater than 155 miles per hours and a storm surge generally greater than 18 feet above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees and signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes and severe window and door damage on permanent homes. Low-lying escape routes are covered by rising water between three and five hours before the arrival of the hurricane’s center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas located on low ground within five to 10 miles of the shoreline possible.