Irene And Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale

Weather reports use the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale to communicate the severity of Hurricane Irene to the public. This breifly describes the 5 categories utilized in the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Scale.

1. Category 1 see 74-95 mile per hour winds with storm surge 4-5 feet above normal no building damage noted.

2. Category 2 see 96-110 mile per hour winds with storm surge 6-8 feet above normal minor roof, door and window damage noted.

3. Category 3 see 111-130 mile per hour winds with storm surge 9-12 feet above normal visible damage to smaller residence and out buildings, garages noted.

4. Category 4 see 131-155 mile per hour winds with storm surge 13-18 feet above normal loss of roof on some sizable structures noted.

5. Category 5 see greater than 155 mile per hour winds with storm surge greater than 18 feet above normal loss of roofs and portions of buildings on residential and business structures.