Category 1
Winds –    1 minute sustained winds at 74-95 mph
Summary –    Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
Example –    Hurricane Dolly (2008) brought Category 1 winds and impacts to South Padre Island, Texas.

Category 2
Winds –    1 minute sustained winds at 96-110 mph
Summary –    Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
Example –    Hurricane Frances (2004) brought Category 2 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Port St. Lucie, Florida, with Category 1 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.

Category 3
Winds –    1 minute sustained winds at 111-130 mph
Summary –    Devastating damage will occur
Example –    which hit Grand Cayman in September, brought Category 3 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Gulf Shores, Alabama with Category 2 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.

Category 4
Winds –    1 minute sustained winds at 131-155 mph
Summary –    Catastrophic damage will occur
Example –    Hurricane Paloma (2008) brought Category 4 winds and impacts to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Whole houses were destroyed on Cayman Brac, roofs were torn from buildings and roads were blocked.

Category 5
Winds –    1 minute sustained winds at 155 and greater mph
Summary –    Catastrophic damage will occur
Example –    Hurricane Andrew (1992) brought Category 5 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Cutler Ridge, Florida with Category 4 conditions experienced elsewhere in south Miami-Dade County.