How is hurricane intensity measured

Flooding from hurricanes causes major damage to shorelines and buildings. The winds in a hurricane push ocean water in front of them.

As the hurricane nears shore, the wind pushes this water inland. This process of wind-induced seawater flooding is called storm surge. Hurricane Floyd made landfall in as a Category 2 storm. Damage: Minimal - No significant structural damage, can uproot trees and cause some flooding in coastal areas.

Moderate - No major destruction to buildings, can uproot trees and signs. Coastal flooding can occur. Secondary effects can include the shortage of water and electricity. Extensive - Structural damage to small buildings and serious coastal flooding to those on low lying land.

Evacuation may be needed. Category 5 hurricane; Super typhoon. Because storm surge is not well integrated into the Saffir Simpson Scale, it is often under-appreciated for the risk it poses when a hurricane comes ashore. It is the most dangerous part of any coastal hurricane impact and has been responsible for the majority of the deaths that have been recorded as a result of U.

A good example is found in Hurricane Katrina. Although classified as category 3 upon landfall, Katrina was category 5 while in the Gulf of Mexico. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Frances of was a Category Two when it hit just north of Palm Beach County, along with at least 10 other hurricanes which have struck South Florida since Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends.

Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. Unnamed hurricanes of , , , , , and were all Category 3 storms when they struck South Florida, as were King of , Betsy of , Jeanne of , and Irma of Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed.

Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.