What to know about hurricane categories as Dorian takes aim at Florida.
Hurricane Dorian was barreling toward the Florida coast Thursday and may make landfall as a"life-threatening" Category 4 storm.The National Weather Service uses a system called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to measure the intensity of hurricanes. The hurricane category scale is from 1 to 5, is based on the sustained wind speed of the storm and estimates the potential property damage.
-Category 3=111-129 mph:"Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes."
-Category 5=157 mph or higher:"Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."
However, the National Ocean & Atmospheric Administration said it's important to note that the Saffir-Simpson scale measures damage potential from wind only.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dorian takes aim at FloridaLabor Day weekend may bring a powerful hurricane to the Florida Peninsula
Read more »
Hurricane Dorian gains might as it takes aim at FloridaHurricane Dorian churned in the Atlantic, picking up speed early on Thursday, fu...
Read more »
Hurricane Dorian takes aim at Florida where it may make landfall as Category 3Hurricane Dorian is strengthening and could possibly make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm this weekend.
Read more »
Live updates: Hurricane Dorian takes aim at Florida, may make landfall as Category 3STORM WATCH: We're tracking Hurricane Dorian as it moves toward Florida coast. FULL FORECAST:
Read more »
Hurricane Dorian takes aim at Florida, may make landfall as Category 4The International Space Station captured this view of Hurricane Dorian on Thursday afternoon as the powerful storm churns toward the mainland United States.
Read more »
Hurricane Dorian takes aim at Florida, may make landfall as Category 4: Live updatesHurricane Dorian passes over Puerto Rico before it is expected to veer toward Florida, possibly making landfall as a major Category 4 hurricane.
Read more »