WHEN THUNDER ROARS GO INDOORS!

Hello fellow drivers,

Today we wanted to go over a few Wind classifications. When you hear the following categories please keep this in mind.

Per FEMA:

Wind Classifications: Category 1

Category 1 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of 74 to 95 miles per hour.

Damage could include the following:

1. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters.

2. Large branches of trees may snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.

Wind Classifications: Category 2

Category 2 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of 96 to 110 miles per hour.

Damage could include the following:

1. Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.

2. Shallowly rooted trees could be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.

3. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

Wind Classifications: Category 3

Category 3 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of 111 to 129 miles per hour.

Damage could include the following:

1. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends.

2. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.

3. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days or weeks after the storm passes.

Wind Classifications: Category 4

Category 4 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of 130 to 156 miles per hour.

Damage could include the following:

1. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls.

2. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.

3. Power outages will last for several weeks or possibly months.

4. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Wind Classifications: Category 5

Category 5 hurricanes have sustained wind speeds of>157 miles per hour.

Damage could include the following:

1. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse.

2. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.

3. Power outages will last for several weeks or possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.