Hurricane Categories and What to Expect
Hurricane Idalia is on its way to Florida. Many homeowners are preparing for the potential damage this storm may cause to their property. It is important to stay up to date on upcoming forecasts when it comes to hurricanes.
There are varying categories of hurricanes ranging from Category 1 to Category 5.
Category 1:
- 74-95 mile per hour wind speeds.
- The damage caused by Category 1 hurricanes is likely to be minimal. However, some damage may occur to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Individuals residing near coastal areas may experience flooding and minor pier damage.
Category 2:
- 96-110 mile per hour winds.
- Damage with this category of hurricane is often moderate. Homes with weaker infrastructure, such as mobile homes, may experience major damage. Coastal flooding, erosion, and damage to trees and shrubbery are expected.
Category 3:
- 111-129 mile per hour winds.
- Category 3 hurricanes bring extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and trees. Areas close to water have a high risk of flooding.
Category 4:
- 130-156 mile per hour winds.
- Catastrophic damage can occur with this hurricane’s strength. Even well-built homes can undergo severe damage. Power outages occur and may last weeks to months due to power poles being drowned. Trees are also snapped or completely uprooted.
Category 5:
- Greater than 157 mile-per-hour winds
- Similar to Category 4 hurricanes, the damage expected with these winds is catastrophic. Many homeowners suffer from roof and infrastructure failure, resulting in complete destruction. In the instance of a power outage, residents in the area can expect to go without electricity for up to weeks or months following the disaster. In such circumstances, individuals often choose to relocate until the area is habitable again.
As a Florida resident, we can anticipate multiple hurricanes per year. Hurricane season varies depending on the region and hemisphere. The Atlantic Basic is a geographical region that encompasses the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. This region, also known as the North Atlantic Basin, is particularly significant in terms of tropical cyclone development, where many hurricanes and tropical storms form and intensify. For storms to develop and strengthen, warm waters in the Atlantic are necessary. Therefore, summer is often a favorable time for hurricanes to develop. June 1st through November 30th is the official hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin.
As many Florida residents are aware, Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is expected to continue northeastward over Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. It remains a Category 1 hurricane but is predicted to intensify and potentially become a Category 3 hurricane. It is important to prepare your home and property adequately for hurricanes with this suspected strength.
Preparing your property for a hurricane involves taking steps to minimize damage and ensure the safety of your home and belongings. Below is a checklist to ensure you have adequately prepared for any upcoming storm.
How to Prepare:
- Trim Trees and Shrubs
- Install Storm Shutters
- Secure Outdoor Items- Including furniture, grills, and other loose items that could pose a danger with high winds
- Check Roof and Gutters
- Seal Windows and Doors
- Reinforce Garage Doors
- Elevate items- Including electronics or items that you consider valuable in the chance of flooding
- Secure Roof Attachments
- Prepare for a Power Outage
- Educate Yourself and Others on the Evacuation Routes
- Secure Home Entry Points
- Prepare Emergency Kits
- Turn off Utilities
- Create a Home Inventory
- Board up Windows (depending on the hurricane strength, if necessary)
- Create a Communication Plan
It would be beneficial to take all these actions in preparation for any hurricane, regardless of the severity of it. However, it is also important to note any recommendations from local authorities and stay up to date with the local weather forecasts and guidance from emergency management agencies.
All hurricanes have the potential to cause some damage, whether that be minimal or major destruction. A potential Category 3 hurricane, with winds of up to 125 mph, is headed toward Florida. Many homeowners will suffer from property damage following Hurricane Idalia. Taking the necessary precautions is meaningful to reduce the extent of damage. However, there are cases in which hurricane damage is inevitable.
What to Do if you Experience Hurricane Damage:
In the unfortunate event that you or someone you know does endure damage from a hurricane or a tropical storm, it is important to take the appropriate steps to begin the recovery process. Locating a contractor that is licensed and reputable can be a stressful task.
OneRestore is here to help! With careful planning, documentation, and the right support, our team can gradually restore your property and life to normal following any disaster. We are a One-Stop-Shop that can handle all your restoration needs- whether that be mold remediation, water extraction from flooding, or complete restoration of infrastructure, our experts do it all.
Contact OneRestore for a free inspection and evaluation. Find a location nearest to you- Gainesville, Ocala, Crystal River, The Villages, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or Daytona Beach.
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