Hurricane Intensity
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in which a Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest.
| Category | Definition–Effects | Examples |
| 1 | Winds: 74–95 mph (119-153 km/hr) Very dangerous winds will produce some damage |
Hurricane Dolly (2008) is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 1 winds and impacts to South Padre Island, Texas. |
| 2 | Winds: 96–110 mph (154-177 km/hr) Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage |
Hurricane Frances (2004) brought Category 2 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Port St. Lucie, Florida with Category 1 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city. |
| 3 | Winds: 111–130 mph (178-209 km/hr) Devastating damage will occur |
Hurricane Ivan (2004) brought Category 3 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Gulf Shores, Alabama with Category 2 conditions experienced elsewhere in this city. |
| 4 | Winds: 131–155 mph (210-249 km/hr) Catastrophic damage will occur |
Hurricane Charley (2004) brought Category 4 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Punta Gorda, Florida with Category 3 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city. |
| 5 | Winds: 155+ mph (249+ km/hr) Catastrophic damage will occur |
Hurricane Andrew (1992) brought Category 5 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Cutler Ridge, Florida with Category 4 conditions experienced elsewhere in south Miami-Dade County. |
A "major" hurricane is classified as Category 3 or greater. The animation below shows the damage that can be expected from different category winds. These are relative terms, because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to rainfall–induced flooding that often occurs a considerable distance inland.