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 curtain wall 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 curtain wall 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.

 

 
Terms AndTerms And CONDITIONSd Conditions

COASTAL FLOOD WARNING:

A warning that significant wind-forced flooding is eminent along low-lying coastal areas.

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH:

An alert that wind-forced flooding is expected along low-lying coastal areas.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC):

The County or municipal facility that provides coordination and control of all emergency response and recovery activities.

EVACUATION ORDER:

The most important instruction you will receive from local government officials, relayed over local radio and television stations. Once issued, an evacuation order is mandatory under law in the State of Florida.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA):

The agency that assists local governments and citizens in recovering from a disaster, only upon the direction of the President of the United States.

FLOOD WARNING:

Heavy rains are expected to cause flooding (minor, moderate or major).

HURRICANE WARNING:

Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete all storm preparations as soon as possible.


HURRICANE WATCH:

Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.

NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA):

NOAA provides continuous broadcast of weather conditions in the Tampa Bay Area on a frequency of 162.550 MHz.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING:

Tropical storm conditions, with winds ranging from 39-73 mph, are expected in specific coastal areas within 24 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH:

Tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours.

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