Tropical techniques tracked by the Nationwide Hurricane Heart can be categorised as depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes based mostly on their depth.
The NHC will label a system a tropical melancholy when it has sustained winds under 38 mph however reveals the traits of group and rotation of a cyclone that might develop right into a stronger storm. When it reaches 39 mph sustained winds, it’s labeled a tropical storm.
It isn’t till sustained winds of 74 mph or larger are reached {that a} system can be named a hurricane. At that time, the NHC makes use of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale of depth to categorize it on a scale of 1-5.
Class 1: Sustained winds between 74-95 mph. Examples of Class 1 hurricanes that hit Florida embody Hurricane Erin in 1995, Hurricane Irene in 1999, Hurricane Nicole in 2022 and Hurricane Debby in 2024.
The NHC states, “Properly-constructed body properties might have harm to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Massive branches of bushes will snap and shallowly rooted bushes could also be toppled. In depth harm to energy strains and poles doubtless will lead to energy outages that might final a number of to a number of days.”
Class 2: Sustained winds between 96-110 mph. Examples of Class 2 hurricanes that hit Florida embody Hurricane Frances in 2004 and Hurricane Sally in 2020 (though its eyewall made landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama).
The NHC states, “Properly-constructed body properties might maintain main roof and siding harm. Many shallowly rooted bushes can be snapped or uprooted and block quite a few roads. Close to-total energy loss is predicted with outages that might final from a number of days to weeks.”
Class 3: Sustained winds between 111-129 mph. Examples of Class 3 hurricanes that hit Florida embody Hurricane Jeanne in 2004, Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Milton in 2024.
The NHC states,” Properly-built framed properties could incur main harm or removing of roof decking and gable ends. Many bushes can be snapped or uprooted, blocking quite a few roads. Electrical energy and water can be unavailable for a number of days to weeks after the storm passes.”
Class 4: Sustained winds between 130-156 mph. Examples of Class 4 hurricanes that hit Florida embody Hurricane Charley in 2004, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Ian in 2024 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
The NHC states, “Properly-built framed properties can maintain extreme harm with lack of many of the roof construction and/or some exterior partitions. Most bushes can be snapped or uprooted and energy poles downed. Fallen bushes and energy poles will isolate residential areas. Energy outages will final weeks to probably months. Many of the space can be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
Class 5: Sustained winds larger than 157 mph. Examples of Class 5 hurricanes that hit Florida embody Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Michael in 2018.
The NHC states, “A excessive share of framed properties can be destroyed, with complete roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen bushes and energy poles will isolate residential areas. Energy outages will final for weeks to probably months. Many of the space can be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
