Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | March 19, 2025 | Personal Injury
As a Florida native, you’re no stranger to hurricanes. Nevertheless, they’re nothing to scoff at, given their sheer power and the danger that represents. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes these storms into five distinct levels — Categories 1 through 5 — based on their sustained wind speeds.
But there’s more to these levels than just stronger winds: Each presents its own set of unique risks and challenges. Knowing what each type of hurricane entails is crucial for effective storm preparation and keeping your family safe from serious injury.
To that end, below are brief descriptions of each category of hurricane strength:
Category 1
Characterized by sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph, Category 1 storms are the weakest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. However, just because they’re considered “minimal” in terms of potential damage doesn’t mean they can’t make a significant impact.
These storms are still powerful enough to compromise structures by damaging shingles, siding, and gutters. They can break weak tree branches and even upend shallow-rooted trees in some cases. If you’re close to the coast, you might experience minor flooding or pier damage, and — just as with any bad storm — your power can go out, leaving you in the dark.
Category 2
Though winds of 96 to 110 mph might not seem that much higher, Category 2 hurricanes bring a notable increase in destructive power. They can cause extensive damage to roofs, doors, and windows, and they can outright snap or uproot most trees.
Category 2 hurricanes also cause coastal flooding to the extent that you might need to evacuate if you’re too close. And power outages caused by these storms are typically more prolonged and complex than you’d get with a Category 1.
Category 3
It is at Category 3 where storms are truly entering “major hurricane territory.” Characterized by sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph, the impacts of these weather events are often severe, including damage to the hardier framework of most homes, major coastal flooding, and power outages that can leave people without electricity and water for days or weeks.
Category 4
With sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph, Category 4 storms bring catastrophic damage to any area they hit. They can severely damage homes, particularly roofs and exterior walls, and all but level other structures. They’ll bring down power lines altogether and cause coastal flooding to dial up to the point that it causes major erosion.
Perhaps worst of all, though, is that a Category 4 storm can cause so much damage and obstruct resources so badly that areas become uninhabitable for weeks, even months after they make landfall.
Category 5
Category 5 storms are practically behemoths in terms of the amount of land they can cover. Sustained winds of 157 mph or higher (an unimaginably violent wind speed) create cataclysmic conditions that are nearly impossible to survive, leading to fatalities.
An area struck by a Category 5 storm will see a high percentage of homes destroyed; most trees will be snapped and peeled, and power poles will be downed, as well, with outages being irreparable for months after. Coastal surges will also cause major damage to any coastal structures, including the shoreline itself.
In simplest terms, an area impacted by a Category 5 hurricane will become uninhabitable for weeks or months, possibly longer.
Protecting Your Family From Natural Disasters
If nothing else, hurricanes are a stark reminder of the unthinkable power of nature. In some ways, humans are no match for their might. When a really bad storm is coming, sometimes the best (or only) thing you can do is leave, as difficult as that may be.
If you live in a state that’s prone to hurricanes, like Florida, make sure you have plans in place for each category of hurricane, just in case. In doing so, you and your family will have the resources you need to recover.
Contact a Personal Injury lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Orlando, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.5534238,-81.3692001
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Palm Bay, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Melbourne, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Cocoa, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Titusville, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051
