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WATCH: Explaining The Different Levels Of Damage From Category 1-5 Hurricanes
Sadly Hurricanes have been a topic of discussion with North Carolina getting hit by Helene and now Milton hitting Florida.
Hurricanes are classified into categories based on their wind speeds, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Here’s a breakdown of each category by video and by text:
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Category 1:
- Wind Speeds: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
- Effects: Some damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Power outages may occur.
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Category 2:
- Wind Speeds: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
- Effects: Significant damage to roofs and siding. Many trees may be snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. Near-total power loss is expected.
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Category 3 (Major Hurricane):
- Wind Speeds: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
- Effects: Devastating damage. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, and electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks.
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Category 4 (Major Hurricane):
- Wind Speeds: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
- Effects: Catastrophic damage. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted, and power outages can last weeks to months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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Category 5 (Major Hurricane):
- Wind Speeds: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)
- Effects: Catastrophic damage. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Power outages will last for weeks to months, and most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Rain levels are no joke either when it comes to hurricanes. Check out the videos below on how quickly houses, buildings, and people can run into danger if they get caught in the rising levels.
Many towns in Florida are being evacuated due to the dangers of the incoming hurricane.