There are 6 categories of storm surges, depending on the height of the surge and the wind speed of the storm. Let us look at them in some detail:
Tropical Storm: With a poor wind speed of 40 - 75 mph, the chances of a noticeable storm surge is low, with the wave coming in at heights of 3 - 5 feet. Usually, any storm surge of this size will cause no damage.
Category 1: Minimal: The wind speed of these storms is slightly higher, and can range between 75 - 95 mph. The surges range around 5 - 7 feet in height, which can cause minor damage to poorly constructed buildings or objects that are not anchored.
Category 2: Moderate: With increasing size and wind speed of around 95 - 110 mph, the surges come in heights of 7 - 12 feet. They can cause considerable damage to mobile homes, vehicles, and small watercraft.
Category 3: Extensive: Strong winds of 110 to 130 mph cause surges of 12 - 15 feet. These storms can cause structural damage to small buildings, while poorly built buildings and mobile homes can be completely destroyed. Flooding can reach deep inland, and floating debris can slightly damage large buildings.
Category 4:[/b] Extreme: One of the most common types, with wind speeds of 130 - 155 mph, the storm surges can get to heights of 15 - 20 feet. These surges can cause heavy flooding well inland, and can erode beaches severely. Large and small buildings can be considerably damaged, while any un-anchored object is likely to be destroyed.
Category 5: Catastrophic: When hurricanes blow winds that go faster than 155 mph, they create huge surges that can reach 20 - 25 feet, and in rare cases, even higher. Larger buildings can get heavily damaged, while the smaller ones can be completely destroyed. Deep and strong flooding inland can damage lower floors of most buildings. Usually, large-scale evacuation is needed in the region.
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