| Category |
Wind Speed |
Barometric
Pressure |
Storm Surge |
Damage Potential |
1
(weak) |
75–95 mph
65–82 kts
33–42 m/s |
> 28.94 in. Hg
> 980.0 mb
> 97.7 kPa |
4.0–5.0 ft.
1.2–1.5 m |
minimal
damage to vegetation |
2
(moderate) |
96–110 mph
83–95 kts
43–49 m/s |
28.50–28.93 in. Hg
965.1–979.7 mb
96.2–97.7 kPa |
6.0–8.0 ft.
1.8–2.4 m |
moderate
damage to houses |
3
(strong) |
111–130 mph
96–113 kts
50–58 m/s |
27.91–28.49 in. Hg
945.1–964.8 mb
96.2–97.7 kPa |
9.0–12.0 ft.
2.7–3.7 m |
extensive
damage to small buildings |
4
(very strong) |
131–155 mph
114–135 kts
59–69 m/s |
27.17–27.90 in. Hg
920.1–944.8 mb
91.7–94.2 kPa |
13.0–18.0 ft.
3.9–5.5 m |
extreme
structural damage |
5
(devastating) |
> 155 mph
> 135 kts
> 70 m/s |
< 27.17 in Hg
< 920.1 mb
< 91.7 kPa |
> 18.0 ft
> 5.5 m |
catastrophic building failures possible |