Hurricane Categories and Disaster Restoration in Fort Worth

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or commercial building sustains water damage during hurricane-induced flooding, we’re here to help.

Fortunately, Fort Worth is in a low-risk zone for hurricanes, but they do still occur. Knowing the different hurricane categories can inform your disaster restoration needs. 

At SERVPRO in North Richland Hills, we’ve been restoring flood and hurricane-damaged properties in the area for decades. Contact us today at (817) 589-1499 for a free estimate on our disaster restoration services. 

How are Hurricanes Categorized?

In 1971, civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson developed the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale acts as a rating system and establishes five categories of hurricane strength based on sustained wind speed. 

How is the Saffir-Simpson Scale used?

Meteorologists use the scale to estimate how much impact the hurricane will have on a given area and the type of damage likely to occur from it. The rating system gives meteorologists examples of damage that can occur from different wind intensities. 

Do the Different Hurricane Categories Estimate Flood Damage?

The Saffir-Simpson Scale only estimates damage from wind intensity. The hurricane categories do not assess things like flood damage or storm surges. 

What the Hurricane Categories Mean

Category 1 Hurricanes

A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph and will cause minor damage to roofs, gutters, and siding of frame houses. Small trees can be uprooted, and tree branches snapped. 

Power outages are also common in this hurricane category. Falling debris can lead to injuries, and unanchored mobile homes are at risk of toppling. Coastal flooding is also a risk in Category 1 hurricanes. 

Category 2 Hurricanes

In a category 2 hurricane, all the damage present in a Category 1 hurricane applies, but the damage is more extensive. Serious injury is also a risk, and flooding in low-lying areas is likely to occur.

Category 3 Hurricanes

Wind speeds measure 111 to 129 mph, with significant property damage and injuries to people and animals present in a Category 3 hurricane. Sometimes, a total loss of power for several weeks can result. Safe drinking water is often hard to find, and available water is usually contaminated after these storms hit. 

Category 4 Hurricanes

Even homes built to withstand a hurricane can be severely damaged in a Category 4 storm. Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds from 130 to 156 mph. Significant flooding, water damage, power outages, and road blockages are commonplace in Category 4. Mobile homes and poorly built structures can collapse. 

Category 5 Hurricanes

These storms are the most powerful and destructive on the Saffir-Simpson scale. In a Category 5 storm, wind speeds are 157 mph or above. Significant life loss and property damage often result in a Category 5 hurricane. 

Roofs fail, and walls collapse, with most buildings entirely destroyed. Water shortages and power outages can last for months after the storm passes. 

Hurricane Disaster Restoration 

Even a Category 1 hurricane can result in severe damage and flooding to structures. If your home or commercial building sustains water damage during hurricane-induced flooding, we’re here to help.

Contact us 24/7 for a free estimate on our hurricane disaster restoration services.