1 Answer

Category One Hurricane

Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 74-95 miles per hour
Damage Category: Minimal
Approximate Pressure: Above 980 mb
Approximate Storm Surge: 3-5 feet
Examples: Hurricane Lili (2002) in Louisiana; Hurricane Gaston (2004) in South Carolina
Category Two Hurricane

Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 96-110 miles per hour
Damage Category: Moderate
Approximate Pressure: 979-965 mb
Approximate Storm Surge: 6-8 feet
Example: Hurricane Isabel (2003) in North Carolina
Category Three Hurricane

Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 111-129 miles per hour
Damage Category: Extensive
Approximate Pressure: 964-945 mb
Approximate Storm Surge: 9-12 feet
Examples: Hurricane Katrina (2005) in Louisiana; Hurricane Jeanne (2004) in Florida; Hurricane Ivan (2004) in Alabama