If you previously used a social network to login to WRAL.com, click the “Forgot your password” link to reset your password.
Fayetteville police searching for 19-year old connected to robbery and murder
Death investigation underway at Fayetteville home
Person injured in rollover crash near Wake Forest
CDC drops quarantine, distancing recommendations for COVID
Moderna plans single, annual shot for COVID, flu and other respiratory virus
The US is on a Covid plateau, and no one's sure what will happen next
Potential for showers continues into Friday evening; prepare for low humidity and sunny skies this weekend
Duke researchers say warming temperatures cost NC in lost productivity, increased need for healthcare
Rhule: Mayfield, Darnold will play 1 series vs. Washington
NBA star and Raleigh native John Wall hosts community events to honor late mother
The Fan plays 'Dungeons & Dragons' for ACC realignment
Moderna plans single, annual shot for COVID, flu and other respiratory virus
MetLife adding hundreds of workers in expansion at Cary campus
Durham restaurants request NC Supreme Court review insurance payments lawsuit
FARHAD MANJOO: Alex Jones and the 'wellness-conspiracy industrial complex'
TRESSIE: McMIILLAN COTTOM: Big TV hit is a conservative fantasy liberals should watch
Editorial: NC Chamber protects business tax cuts over quality education for kids
Cost of back-to-school essentials -- glue, markers, pens, backpacks -- has jumped
Consumer Price Index shows dip in inflation, but some goods still cost more
As summer vacation ends, Consumer Reports shares best items to buy this August
Murder charge dropped against man accused of killing UNC Charlotte student
New: WRAL SmartShopper tracks the prices on grocery staples at Triangle stores
Polio detected in NYC's sewage, suggesting virus circulating
WWE Smackdown returns to Raleigh tonight
Foodie news: 321 Coffee sets grand opening date for first storefront
Skygazers unite to view Perseid meteor shower at Dix Park
'It was his dream:' Friends say killed deputy dreamed of serving his community
Multiple law enforcement agencies involved in manhunt for person who killed Wake deputy
Published: 2022-06-07 08:13:00 Updated: 2022-06-08 15:21:38
Posted June 7, 2022 8:13 a.m. EDT Updated June 8, 2022 3:21 p.m. EDT
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone that forms either in the Atlantic or Pacific ocean, on either side of North America. These storms can range in size from small tropical wind storms to massive hurricanes. There are three steps to categorizing a storm: formation, track and strength. But how are hurricanes categorized?
The Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale is a 1-5 scale used to measure the intensity of hurricanes. The higher the number, the more intense the hurricane. Hurricanes are rated on this scale based on the following factors: wind speed, storm surge and damage potential. There are five categories of hurricanes that make up the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale. They are Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, Category 4 and Category 5.
The most dangerous part of a hurricane is its wind field. The larger the storm, the wider its wind field and the greater the potential for damage. A hurricane's wind field also affects its storm surge. The higher the winds, the higher the surge.
Category 1 hurricanes are the most common and least dangerous type of hurricane. They are typically small, with winds of 74-95 mph. These storms usually cause minimal damage and little to no loss of life.
Category 1 hurricanes can still be dangerous, however. They can cause flooding and power outages, as well as damage to property. In addition, they can sometimes lead to tornadoes.
Category 1 hurricanes are not typically predicted very far in advance, so it is important to always be prepared for them. Make sure you have a plan in place in case of a storm, and stock up on supplies like food, water and flashlights.
Category 2 hurricanes are typically more intense than Category 1 storms, but not as severe as Category 3 hurricanes. These storms can still cause significant damage, particularly if they make landfall. Category 2 hurricanes are typically those that have wind speeds between 96-110 mph. These storms can cause extensive damage to coastal areas and some inland flooding. Category 2 hurricanes often result in power outages and downed trees.
Category 3 hurricanes are considered major storms. Winds can reach up to 129 mph, and they can cause significant damage to coastal areas. High waves and storm surges often accompany these storms. Category 3 hurricanes are capable of causing extensive damage and power outages. They can also cause damage to infrastructure and homes. In addition, they often produce flooding rains that can further damage property and endanger lives.
Since they are more powerful, Category 3 hurricanes should be taken seriously. If you live in an area that could be affected by a major storm, make sure you have a plan in place and are prepared for the worst.
Category 4 hurricanes are defined as major storms with 130-156 mph winds. These storms can cause extensive damage, particularly if they make landfall.
In the Atlantic, there have been a total of 142 Category 4 hurricanes since 1851. The most recent was Hurricane Sam in late 2021, which threatened both Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, but luckily never caused extreme damage. The worst impact was in New Hanover County, North Carolina, where 30 people required rescue from rip currents.
Category 5 hurricanes are the most powerful type of storm on Earth. They can cause catastrophic damage with wind speeds of more than 157 mph. These storms are rare, but when they form they can be incredibly destructive.
In the Atlantic Ocean, there have been only 37 tropical storms that have capped as Category 5s since records began in 1851.
The most recent was Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Dorian is regarded as the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bahamas. It made landfall in the mainland USA in North Carolina as a Category 2 storm.
Other notable Category 5 storms include Hurricane Irma (2017) which caused widespread damage in the Caribbean and Florida, Hurricane Katrina (2005), which caused devastating damage in Louisiana and Mississippi, and Hurricane Hugo (1989), which caused $7 billion in damage in South Carolina.
Category 5 hurricanes can form anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. The deadliest Category 5 hurricane on record was Hurricane Mitch, which killed more than 19,000 people in Central America in 1998.
Hurricane categories do save lives. By being aware of the different categories, people can be better prepared for the potential damage a hurricane may cause. It is important to heed the warnings of officials and evacuate when necessary. Taking these precautions can help minimize the loss of life and property during a hurricane.
Copyright 2022 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
©2022 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.