WSVN — If a storm heads our way, you’ll hear us talk about storm categories and the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. 7’s Vivian Gonzalez is in the studio with important information on the hurricane terms you need to know.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Category 1: storm will have winds blowing 74 to 95 miles per hour. It usually causes minimal damage.
- Category 2: storm blows 96 to 110 miles per hour, causing moderate damage.
- Category 3: storm causes extensive damage, with winds from 111 to 129 miles per hour.
- Category 4: winds range from 130 to 156 miles per hour. These type of storms cause major damage.
- Category 5: storm has winds in excess of 157 miles per hour. Category 5 storms cause catastrophic damage.
Remember, the National Hurricane Center now gives a separate forecast for storm surge, which tells us how much flooding there will be.