The Saffir-Simpson scale is used to
categorize the strength of hurricanes.
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Tropical Storm
Winds 39-73 mph
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Category 1
Hurricane — winds 74-95 mph
No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes. Some damage
to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier
damage.
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Category 2
Hurricane — winds 96-110 mph
Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to
mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings
may break their moorings. Some trees blown down.
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Category 3
Hurricane — winds 111-130 mph
Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large
trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed. Flooding
near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by
floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
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Category 4
Hurricane — winds 131-155 mph
More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure
failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be
flooded well inland.
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Category 5
Hurricane — winds 156 mph and up
Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some
complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away.
Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the
shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.
Oxford County
