A severe tropical cyclone with wind speeds in excess of 74 mph. As they move ashore, they bring high winds, tornadoes, torrential rains, and flooding. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential (see chart at page bottom). Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention. » Learn about hurricanes |
Current Tropical Systems
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| Type | Category |
Pressure (mb) |
Winds (knots) |
Winds (mph) |
Surge (ft) |
Damage |
| Depression | TD | ----- | < 34 | < 39 | ||
| Tropical Storm | TS | ----- | 34-63 | 39-73 | Minor: Some tree limbs down, local street and basement flooding. | |
| Hurricane | 1 | > 980 | 64-82 | 74-95 | 4-5 | Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs. |
| Hurricane | 2 | 965-980 | 83-95 | 96-110 | 6-8 | Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs,small crafts, flooding. |
| Hurricane | 3 | 945-965 | 96-113 | 111-130 | 9-12 | Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. |
| Hurricane | 4 | 920-945 | 114-135 | 131-155 | 13-18 | Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. |
| Hurricane | 5 | < 920 | >135 | >155 | >18 | Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. |