How are hurricanes categorized?
Hurricanes are categorized by the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which is a 1-5 rating based on the storm's intensity.
- Category 1
74-95mph winds; 4-5 ft. storm surge - Category 2
96-110 mph winds; 6-8 ft. storm surge - Category 3
111-130 mph winds; 9-12 ft. storm surge - Category 4
131-155 mph winds; 13-18 ft. storm surge - Category 5
155+ mph winds; 18+ ft. storm surge
How many Category 5 hurricanes have hit the US?
Only three Category 5 hurricanes have made landfall in the US: the Labor Day Hurricane in 1935, Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992.