How to Identify a Category Five Hurricane

Every hurricane receives a category, ranging from 1 to 5, on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. This scale bases the categories on the intensity or wind speed of the hurricane, with a category five hurricane being the most intense. Follow these steps to identify a category 5 hurricane.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take note of the hurricane's wind speed. Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds in excess of 155 mph. The hurricane's wind speed determines the category of the storm on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

2. Measure the storm surge from the hurricane. Category 5 hurricanes typically create a storm surge of at least 18 feet above the normal storm surge for the area affected.

3. Determine the extent of the water damage caused by the hurricane. With category five hurricanes, lower levels of buildings located within 15 yards of the coastline and less than 15 feet above sea level experience mass destruction and damage. Additionally, with a category five hurricane, you'll see rising water engulf some of the low-lying roads in the affected area at least 3 to 5 hours before the eye (center) of the hurricane arrives.

4. Observe the damage due to the strong winds of the hurricane. Category 5 hurricanes cause the destruction of mobile homes and some small buildings. Larger buildings can also experience destruction. Many buildings, both residential and commercial, will experience complete roof failure due to high winds. The doors and windows of buildings also have severe wind damage and destruction.

Tips & Warnings

• When category 5 hurricanes are predicted, mass evacuations are usually required. These evacuation areas typically include low-lying residential areas within 5 to 10 miles of the coastline.
• Recent hurricanes to hit a category 5 upon landfall include Dean and Felix in 2007, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Camille in 1969 and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
• While remembered as one of the nation's most destructive hurricanes, Hurricane Katrina was a category 3 storm when it touched down on southeast Louisiana on the morning of Aug. 29, 2005.

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