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Science

Backgrounder: Hurricane Categories Explained

Jul 23, 2010 – 6:57 PM
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David Knowles

David Knowles Writer

(June 23) -- Hurricane categories are designated according to the sustained winds contained within a given storm, and are measured on a scale of 1 to 5. The higher the wind speed, the greater the storm surge.

Category 1: Winds of 74-95 mph with a possible storm surge of four to five feet above normal.

Category 2: Winds of 96-110 mph with a possible storm surge of six to eight feet above normal.

Category 3: Winds of 111-130 mph with a possible storm surge of nine to 12 feet above normal.

Category 4: Winds of 131-155 mph with a possible storm surge of 13 to 18 feet above normal.

Category 5: Winds greater than 155 mph with a possible storm surge of more than 18 feet above normal.
Filed under: Nation, World, Science
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