Careful planning can help keep you safe before, during, and after a hurricane strikes. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, this is a must-read! Hurricanes are serious business! Hurricanes can and do form in several areas of the world, including the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or the eastern Pacific Ocean. These severe tropical depressions produce intense winds, heavy rains, devastating floods, and high waves. Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damages.

Categories

Hurricanes come in different strengths; the weakest being a category one, the strongest being a category five.

Category One: Winds are 74-95 miles per hour with a 4-5 feet storm surge. The area may experience some minor flooding, damage to vegetation and mobile homes.

Category Two:Winds are 96-110 miles per hour with a 6-8 feet storm surge. Major flooding may occur as well as major damage to vegetation and mobile homes. Roofs, doors, and windows may be damaged.

Category Three: Winds are 111-130 miles per hour with a 9-12 feet storm surge. Residential buildings may be damaged structurally. Mobile homes may be destroyed. Flooding occurs farther inland with damage caused by loose debris.

Category Four: Winds are 131-155 miles per hour with a 13-18 feet storm surge. Flooding occurs well inland with major beach erosions. More extensive damage of residential areas occurs.

Category Five: Winds are 155+ miles per hour with an 18 feet storm surge. Massive evacuation of areas may be mandatory as residential structures and buildings may receive major damage. Small buildings may actually be blown away.