Hurricane force winds are winds that are strong enough to cause significant damage and loss of life. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricanes sustained wind speed, which estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. The categories are defined by wind speed, with a storm of Category 3, 4, or 5 considered a major hurricane. The wind speeds for each category are as follows:
- Category 1: 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 km/hr)
- Category 2: 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 km/hr)
- Category 3: 111-129 mph (96-112 kt or 178-208 km/hr)
- Category 4: 130-156 mph (113-136 kt or 209-251 km/hr)
- Category 5: 157 mph or higher (137 kt or 252 km/hr or higher)
Hurricane force winds can cause extensive damage to buildings, including well-constructed homes, and can destroy mobile homes. They can also cause power outages that could last for several days. In the Beaufort scale, winds of force 12 are classified as hurricane force winds, with winds of greater than 64 knots expected.
