Lisa Dunham, REALTOR® in Alexandria VA, breaks down the hurricane categories and the damage it causes and what to expect. Right now, Hurricane Irene is a category 1 and hopefully will not go higher.
What To Expect From Hurricane Categories 1-5
Hurricanes are classified into 5 categories. Each category is determined by its wind speed, central pressure, and the potential for damages. Hurricane categories 1 and 2 are considered dangerous, but are not nearly as severe as categories 3, 4 and 5. Hurricane categories 3 and above are considered major hurricanes with the potential to cause extreme damage and even death. While all hurricanes are serious enough to warrant your attention, you should be prepared to act immediately when face with hurricane categories 3 and above.
To find out what to expect from each hurricane category, please review the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale below.
Category
Sustained Winds (MPH)
Damage
1
74 - 95
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
- Minor damage to exterior of homes
- Toppled tree branches, uprooting of smaller trees
- Extensive damage to power lines, power outage
2
96 - 110
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
- Major damage to exterior of homes
- Uprooting of small trees and many roads blocked
- Guaranteed power outages for long periods of time – days to weeks
3
111 - 130
Devastating damage will occur
- Extensive damage to exterior of homes
- Many trees uprooted and many roads blocked
- Extremely limited availability of water and electricity
4
131 - 155
Catastrophic damage will occur
- Loss of roof structure and/or some exterior walls
- Most trees uprooted and most power lines down
- Isolated residential due to debris pile up
- Power outages lasting for weeks to months
5
156 and above
Catastrophic damage will occur
- A high percentage of homes will be destroyed
- Fallen trees and power lines isolate residential areas
- Power outages lasting for weeks to months
- Most areas will be uninhabitable
For additional information on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, please visit the National Hurricane Center.
If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance. My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.
Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO
Allison James Estates & Homes
703-298-6546 (Mobile)
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com
Cell: (631) 703-0201
Office: (631) 226-5995 Ext. 242
Email: JackieC@century21aa.com
Website: www.longislandrealestatelady.com
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Blog: http://jackieconnellyfornuff.com
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