What are the hurricane categories as Hurricane Helene hits Florida?

Forecasters have warned of a catastrophic storm surge as category 4 Hurricane Helene[1] makes landfall in north-west Florida. Around 11.10pm local time on September 26, the National Hurricane[2] Centre in Miami reported that Helene was close to the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Big Bend region of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The weather service warned of the possibility of flash floods and winds exceeding 140mph (225 km/h).

Warnings of hurricanes and flash floods were also issued for northern Georgia and western North Carolina. On the tracking website poweroutage.us[3], there were over 1.2 million households and businesses without power in Florida[4], over 500,000 in Georgia and over 30,000 in the Carolinas. According to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a person died after a sign fell on their automobile while they were travelling on a motorway.

“When Floridians wake up tomorrow morning, we’re going to be waking up to a state where, very likely, there’s been additional loss of life. And certainly, there’s going to be loss of property,” Mr DeSantis said. “You’re going to have people that are going to lose their homes because of this storm.

So please keep those folks in mind, keep them in your prayers.” As the storm came, there were reports of two more fatalities from a potential tornado in adjacent Georgia, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, officials in rural Taylor County, Florida, had one piece of advice to those who chose not to leave.

The area’s sheriff’s office said in a Facebook statement: “Please write your name, birthday, and important information on your arm or leg in a PERMANENT MARKER so that you can be identified and family notified.” But what does a category 4 hurricane mean?

What are the hurricane categories?

This rates storms based on the severity of their wind speed in a one to five rating. The rating system doesn’t take into account other potential deadly hazards, such as rainfall, flooding, or tornadoes. Here are the five hurricane categories and what they mean:

Category 1 (max sustained winds of 74mph-95mph)

Very dangerous winds with maximum sustained speeds of between 74mph and 95mph will produce some damage to property, such as roofs, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters in well-built homes. Large branches will probably snap and trees with shallow roots may fall.

Extensive damage to power lines and poles is likely, resulting in power outages for up to several days.

Category 2 (max sustained winds of 96mph-110mph)

Extremely dangerous winds with maximum sustained speeds of between 96mph and 110mph will cause extensive damage, including major roof and siding damage to buildings.

Many trees with shallow roots will fall, with the potential to block roads. Power loss is expected, with total outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Category 3 (max sustained winds of 111mph-129mph)

Devastating damage is expected from winds, with maximum sustained speeds of between 111mph and 129mph, including major damage to buildings or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will fall and block numerous roads. Electricity and water are expected to be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Category 4 (max sustained winds of 130mph-156mph)

Catastrophic damage will occur from winds with maximum sustained speeds of between 130mph to 156mph, including severe damage to buildings, such as losing roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed.

Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas, with power outages lasting weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5 (max sustained winds of 157mph or higher)

Catastrophic damage will occur from winds with maximum sustained speeds of 157mph or higher, meaning a high percentage of homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.

Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas and power outages will last for weeks to possibly months.

Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

References

  1. ^ Hurricane Helene (www.standard.co.uk)
  2. ^ Hurricane (www.standard.co.uk)
  3. ^ poweroutage.us (poweroutage.us)
  4. ^ Florida (www.standard.co.uk)