Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale: Category 5

Category 5: Catastrophic Damage
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Intensity Scale

"Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required."

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Click Table of Contents below when done.

Category
Wind Speed

km/hr        mi/hr

Storm Surge

m       ft

Damage
1
119-154        74-95
1-2         4-5
Minimal
2

155-178       96-110

2-3         6-8

Moderate
3

179-210      111-130

3-4        9-12

Extensive
4

211-250      131-155

4-6      13-18

Extreme
5

    >250        >155

>6         >18

Catastrophic

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