Governor's
Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-7500
Hurricane
Categories
Saffir/Simpson
Hurricane Scale
CAT
Winds
& Effects
Surge
1
74-95
mph
(64-82 kt)
4-5
ft
No
real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to
unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some
coastal flooding and minor pier damage.
2
96-110
mph
(83-95 kt)
6-8
ft
Some
roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage
to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Flooding damages piers and
small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings.
3
111-130
mph
(96-113 kt)
9-12
ft
Some
structural damage to small residences and utility buildings,
with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are
destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures
with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may
be flooded well inland.
4
131-155
mph
(114-135 kt)
13-18
ft
More
extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure
failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas.
Terrain may be flooded well inland.
5
155
mph+
(135+ kt)
18
ft +
Complete
roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some
complete building failures with small utility buildings blown
over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of
all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of
residential areas may be required.
National Hurricane Center
- Links to
latest forecasts, satellite imagery, aircraft reconnaissance, historical
and general information about NHC and the Tropical Prediction Center
Hurricane
Categories
