Hurricanes . . . Important Terms to Know

HURRICANE DAMAGE POTENTIAL SCALE (Saffir/Simpson Scale)
Measures strength and impact of a Hurricane

Minimal

• Damage to shrubs and tree foliage Damage to unanchored mobile homes Little damage to other structures Low-lying coastal roads flooded Minor pier damage
• Small boats in exposed areas torn from moorings

Moderate

• Some small trees uprooted Major damage to mobile homes Some damage to roof materials Considerable damage to piers and marinas flooded Coastal roads and low-lying escape routes cut off
• Evacuation of shoreline homes in low-lying areas

Extensive

• Large trees blown down Mobile homes destroyed Damage to roofs, windows and doors Structural damage to small buildings Major beach erosion and coastal flooding Possible evacuation of residents within 500 yards of shore
• Possible evacuation of low-lying one-story homes within 2 miles of shore

Extreme

• Signs blown down Mobile Homes Destroyed Complete failure of roofs on small homes
• Flat terrain less than 10 ft above sea level flooded

Catastrophic

• Massive evacuation of low-lying areas within 5-10 miles of shore
• Major damage to structures less than 15 ft above sea level near shore