Stages and Categories of Hurricanes
7/24/2019 (Permalink)
As a storm builds from a thunderstorm to a hurricane, it passes through 4 distinct stages:
- Tropical Disturbance: a mass of thunderstorms that have wind speeds of less than 23 mph.
- Tropical Depression: consistent wind speeds of 23-39 mph and a circulation of wind in the center of the thunderstorm mass is detected.
- Tropical Storm: forms when the maximum sustained winds have intensified to 39-73 mph. Storms are typically given a name at this stage and are characterized by problems caused from very heavy rainfall.
- Hurricane: finally forms when surface pressures continue to drop, and winds reach 74 mph. There is now a clear and definite rotation around a calm center, or eye.
Hurricanes have their own categories which are defined by the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
Category 1: Winds 74 to 95 mph (Minor damage)
Category 2: Winds 96 to 110 mph (Extensive damage — Can uproot trees and break windows)
Category 3: Winds 111 to 129 mph (Devastating — Can break windows and doors)
Category 4: Winds 130 to 156 mph (Catastrophic damage — Can tear off roofs)
Category 5: Winds 157 mph or higher (Can level houses and destroy buildings)