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Michael Dattolico

How do they classify a Hurricane?



With 2020 predicted to be the busiest storm season, hurricanes are becoming one of the most trending topics on the news. What exactly are they though? Many of us grew up with this natural disaster. For many Floridians, it's such a common summer event that it usually doesn't spark any concern until the higher categories. With hurricane parties going on, we often forget the hurricanes are actually some of the nature's most formidable creations. Not only are they a natural disaster themselves but they also lead to other disasters such as flooding, tornadoes and rip currents.


Before a hurricane is formed there is a low grade storm called a tropical depression where winds are less than 39 mph. As the depression is fed by warm winds and moisture, it strengthens to a tropical storm with winds from 39-73 mph. When it finally reaches hurricane status winds are 74 mph or greater. This leads to the 5 different categories of hurricanes which are determined based off of wind speed. Category 3 and above storms are considered major hurricanes:


Category 1 = 74-96 mph

Category 2 = 96-110 mph

Category 3 = 111-129 mph

Category 4 = 130-156 mph

Category 5 = 157 mph or greater


With so much more to hurricanes than how they are categorized, we will discuss more about hurricanes in the next blog!


We hope this information was interesting and helpful to you. At AJS, your family's safety is our family's utmost concern. If you feel like your home or business is in risk of flood, contact our knowledgeable team to see how lifting and moving can benefit you and your assets!

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