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The scale used to measure the intensity of hurricanes is known as Saffir-Simpson, and divides these natural phenomena into 5 categories according to the speed of their winds and storm surge, which is an abnormal increase at sea level after a storm.
The scale also calculates the damage that can occur when the hurricane makes landfall.
Category 1
Winds reach speeds between 119 and 153 kilometers per hour and waves can increase up to 1.5 meters above normal o.
A hurricane in this category typically causes damage primarily to unanchored homes, removes debris, trees, and signs, and some flooding of coastal roads and minor damage to docks can be expected.
Hurricane Newton that hit the west coast of Mexico is an example of this type of storm.
Category 2
It brings winds between 154 and 177 kilometers per hour and waves up to 2.4 meters high.
Causes damage to roofs, doors and windows of buildings.
In addition, it tends to uproot trees and bushes, signs and docks.
The Catarina hurricane that hit Brazil in 2004 was a category 2 hurricane. Three people died and at least 75 were injured.
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Category 3
In a hurricane of this type, the winds reach speeds of up to 209 kilometers per hour and waves of up to 3.6 meters.
It can create structural damage to small homes and warehouses, destroys plant foliage, and uproots large trees.
Sandy, the deadliest storm of 2012, falls into this category.
The hurricane claimed the lives of more than 200 people.
Category 4
Its deadly winds reach speeds of between 210 to 249 kilometers per hour and the waves exceed 5 meters in height.
They cause severe damage to houses on the coast and to the roofs of other houses.
Hurricane Earl, which caused nearly $25 million in damage, was a Category 4 hurricane.
Category 5
They are the deadliest type of hurricane, leaving devastation and death in their wake.
Winds exceed 250 kilometers per hour and waves reach 6 meters or more.
The roofs of most homes collapse or are blown away by the winds, and smaller homes can rise.
Windows and doors suffer severe damage.
Katrina was a category 5 hurricane.
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