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A Category 1 storm has sustained winds at the surface of 74 to 95 mph. These are winds reported for more than one minute. A Category 1 storm creates minimal damage - usually damage to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and some trees.

A Category 2 hurricane has sustained winds from 96 to 110 mph. It creates moderate damage to homes, such as roofing material and some window damage. It creates considerable damage to mobile homes, piers, shrubbery and trees.

A Category 3 hurricane has sustained winds from 111 to 130 mph. It creates extensive damage to mobile homes. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by the battering from floating debris.

A Category 4 hurricane has sustained winds from 131 to 155 mph. It creates extreme damage such as complete destruction of mobile homes. Some homes have small structural damage to their walls, while small residences have complete roof failure.

A Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 155 mph. The storm surge is greater than 18 feet above normal and many homes have complete roof failure as well as structural failure. Some small homes are blown over or away as some homes.

A hurricane usually dies as it moves over land. However, it can still cause a lot of damage to inland areas in the form of inland flooding and strong winds.