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Understand what types of hurricanes are and what categories 1 to 5 mean

The scale used to measure the intensity of hurricanes is known as Saffir-Simpson, and it divides these natural phenomena into 5 categories according to the speed of their winds and storms, which is an abnormal rise in sea level after a storm.

The scale also calculates the damage that can occur when the hurricane makes landfall.

Category 1

Winds reach speeds between 119 and 153 km/h and waves can rise up to 1.5 meters above normal. A hurricane in this category typically causes damage primarily to unanchored homes, removes debris, trees, and signs, and some coastal road flooding and minor damage to docks can be expected.

Hurricane Newton that hit the west coast of Mexico is an example of this type of storm.

Category 2

It brings winds between 154 and 177 km/ha and waves up to 2.4 meters high. Causes damage to building roofs, doors and windows. In addition, it tends to uproot trees and bushes, boards and docks.

Hurricane Katarina that hit Brazil in 2004 was Category 2. Three people died and at least 75 were injured.

Category 3

In such a hurricane, winds reach speeds of up to 209 km/h and waves of up to 3.6 meters. It can cause structural damage to small houses and warehouses, destroy plant foliage and uproot large trees.

Sandy, the deadliest storm of 2012, falls into this category. The hurricane took the lives of more than 200 people.

Category 4

Its deadly winds reach speeds between 210 and 249 km/h and the waves exceed 5 meters in height. They cause severe damage to houses on the coast and to the roofs of other houses.

Hurricane Earl, which caused nearly $25 million in damage, was a Category 4 hurricane.

Category 5

They are the deadliest type of hurricane, leaving devastation and death in their wake. Winds exceed 250 km/h and waves reach 6 meters or more.

The roofs of most houses collapse or are blown away, and smaller houses can rise. Windows and doors are severely damaged.

Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane.

Source: CNN Brasil

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