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Appendix
- University of Michigan Press
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- Additional Information
APPENDIX The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Potential Damage Scale TROPICAL DISTURBANCE No strong winds. Rotary circulation is apparent in satellite photographs, although it may be slight or absent at the surface. Isobars (lines of equal barometric pressure) are discontinuous. A common phenomenon in the tropics. TROPICAL DEPRESSION Sustained (one-minute) winds do not exceed 39 mph. Some rotary circulation extends down to the surface. At least one isobar forms a continuous closed loop. TROPICAL STORM Sustained wind speeds between 39 and 74 mph. Distinct rotary circulation at all altitudes. Closed isobars. CATEGORY 1 HURRICANE (MINIMAL DAMAGE) Wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph. Strong and very pronounced rotary circulation . Central barometric pressure typically 28.94 inches or higher. Possible storm surge of four to ‹ve feet. Minimal damage, mainly to trees, shrubbery, unanchored outbuildings, mobile homes, and poorly constructed signs. Possible coastal road ›ooding and minor damage to docks and piers. Possible interruption of utilities (electric, gas, water, and landline phone service). CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE (MODERATE DAMAGE) Wind speeds between 96 and 110 mph. Barometric pressure between 28.50 and 28.91 inches. Possible storm surge of six to eight feet. Some roo‹ng, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down; considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes may ›ood two to four hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected waters break moorings. Likely loss of utilities. CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE (EXTENSIVE DAMAGE) Wind speeds between 111 and 130 mph. Barometric pressure between 27.91 and 28.47 inches. Possible storm surge of nine to twelve feet. Some structural dam249 age to residences and utility buildings, occasional curtain-wall failures. Some large trees uprooted, mobile homes destroyed. Low-lying escape routes may be cut off by rising water three to ‹ve hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane . Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, with larger structures damaged by battering from ›oating debris. Terrain continuously lower than ‹ve feet above mean sea level may be ›ooded inland eight miles or more. Signi‹cant damage to small boats and parked aircraft. Certain loss of utilities for an extended period over a widespread region. Some roads impassible for several days. CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE (EXTREME DAMAGE) Wind speeds between 131 and 155 mph. Barometric pressure between 27.17 and 27.88 inches. Possible storm surge of thirteen to eighteen feet. Extensive curtain -wall damage to buildings; some complete roof failures. Extensive damage to windows and doors. Low-lying escape routes are cut off by rising water three to ‹ve hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major ›ood damage to structures near shore. Residential areas at an elevation of ten feet or less within six miles of the coast may be ›ooded and should be evacuated. Damage to low-lying roads and bridges. Numerous pleasure craft destroyed even in protected waters. Parked aircraft destroyed. Serious damage to utility infrastructures . CATEGORY 5 HURRICANE (CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE) Sustained winds in excess of 155 mph. Barometric pressure less than 27.17 inches. Possible storm surge exceeding eighteen feet. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buldings; numerous complete building failures with smaller unanchored structures blown down or away. Most buildings within a quarter mile of shore totally destroyed; extensive erosion damage to roads; docks and low-lying bridges swept away; large ships and barges grounded. Large segments of utility infrastructure totally destroyed. Appendix 250 [18.212.102.174] Project MUSE (2024-03-28 12:27 GMT) Category 4 and 5 Hurricanes Making Landfall in the United States since 1900 251 Category Sustained Name Date at Landfall Windsa (mph) Landfall Camille Aug. 1969 5 172 MS, LA unnamed Sept. 1935 5 160 FL Keys Andrew Aug. 1992 5b 155 south FL, LA, MS Katrina Aug. 2005 4 145 south FL, LA, MS, AL Charley Aug. 2004 4 145 central FL Carla Sept. 1961 4 145 north TX Donna Sept. 1960 4 145 FL to New England unnamed Sept. 1928 4 145 central FL unnamed Sept. 1919 4 145 FL Keys, TX unnamed Sept. 1915 4 145 LA unnamed Sept. 1909 4 145 LA unnamed Sept. 1900 4 145 TX (Galveston) Hugo Sept. 1989 4 140 SC Audrey June 1957 4 135 west LA Hazel Oct. 1954 4 135 SC, NC unnamed Sept. 1947 4 135 FL, LA, MS unnamed Aug. 1932 4 135 TX unnamed Sept. 1926 4 135 FL, MS...