How fast are the winds inside a hurricane

Most people simply want to know how much water and wind to expect, and what a hurricane will mean for their safety. The hurricane category scale has evolved over time, but in its current version, it only measures the wind speeds produced by a hurricane.

See how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration breaks down the hurricane category scale here. In a Category 1 hurricane, winds range from 74 to 95 mph. Falling debris could strike people, livestock and pets, and older mobile homes could be destroyed. Protected glass windows will generally make it through the hurricane without major damage. Frame homes, apartments and shopping centers may experience some damage, and snapped power lines could result in short-term power outages.

Hurricane Dolly in was an example of a Category 1 hurricane that whipped through southern Texas. Hurricane Sandy was also a Category 1 hurricane when it hit Jamaica in , but it weakened before reaching the east coast of the United States.

Winds range between 96 and mph during a Category 2 hurricane. There is a bigger risk of injury or death to people, livestock and pets from flying debris. Older mobile homes will likely be destroyed, and debris can ruin newer mobile homes, too.

Frame homes, apartment buildings and shopping centers may see major roof and siding damage, and many trees will be uprooted. Residents should expect near total power loss after a Category 2 hurricane, with outages lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

In a Category 3 hurricane, winds range from to mph. There is a high risk of injury or death to people, livestock and pets from flying and falling debris. Nearly all older mobile homes will be destroyed, and most new ones will experience significant damage. Even well-built frame homes, apartments and industrial buildings will likely experience major damage, and the storm will uproot many trees that may block roads.

Electricity and water will likely be unavailable for several days to a few weeks after the storm. This section talks about the different parts of the hurricane and will help you better understand hurricane hazards.

Hurricane Structure. The main parts of a hurricane shown below are the rainbands on its outer edges, the eye, and the eyewall. Air spirals in toward the center in a counter-clockwise pattern, and out the top in the opposite direction. In the very center of the storm, air sinks, forming the cloud-free eye.

Details of the hurricane eye's structure. The Eye The hurricane's center is a relatively calm, clear area usually miles across. People in the midst of a hurricane are often amazed at how the incredibly fierce winds and rain can suddenly stop and the sky clear when the eye comes over them.

Then, just as quickly, the winds and rain begin again, but this time from the opposite direction. The wall of clouds surrounding the clear eye. When winds reach to mph, the hurricane becomes a Category 3 storm. Small buildings may be structurally damaged, and mobile homes destroyed.

Poorly constructed signs will be destroyed and large trees blown down. Category 4 hurricanes have winds that range from to mph. Small residences may suffer complete roof structure failure in these storms.

Additionally, beach erosion is extensive. When wind speed exceeds mph, it is a Category 5 hurricane. Many residences and commercial and industrial buildings will experience complete roof failure in these storms.

Heavy flooding is typical with massive evacuations required. Hurricane Andrew, which made landfall in Florida in , was a Category 5 hurricane.