The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rating of
Category 1 to Category 5 is to approximate a hurricane's current strength. The reason for the Saffir-Simpson rating at all, is to help forecasters give a better estimation of what kind of damage can be expected to property from both winds and flooding. There is no rating scale for a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm.

Wind speed is by far the most determining factor used in the
Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Category 1 (Cat1) Hurricanes:

Wind Speeds of 74 - 95 mph and a Storm Surge that is about 4 - 5 feet above the normal. Most structures will not be damaged, but some damage might be expected to mobile homes that are not anchored correctly, or at all. Trees could be slightly damaged, but there could also be a good deal of rain, which was the case in 1999 from Hurricane Irene, when Florida's east coast was caught off guard by her sudden presence!

Category 2 (Cat2) Hurricanes:

Wind Speeds of 96 - 110 mph and a Storm Surge that is about 6 - 8 feet above the normal. Roof damage, Window and Door damage might be expected with a Cat2 type Hurricane. Heavy damage and destruction for some Trees. Major damage to mobile homes anchored correctly, or not and Coastal flooding hours before the Hurricane arrives.

Category 3 (Cat3) Hurricanes:

Wind Speeds of 111 - 130 mph and a Storm Surge that is about 9 - 12 feet above the normal. Structural damage to some homes and outer buildings. Large trees, tree limbs, and Mobile homes destroyed. Heavy flooding in Low-lying areas cut-off escape routes several hours before the Hurricane arrives.

Category 4 (Cat4) Hurricanes:

Wind Speeds of 131 - 155 mph and a Storm Surge that is about 13 - 18 feet above the normal. Major roof and structure damage on small homes. Life-threatening for Animals and Humans alike, with complete destruction to mobile homes. Heavy damage to Windows and Doors and complete evacuation in areas where water is rising at rapid rates. Most people leave the local area or state, when word is spread about a Cat4!

Category 5 (Cat5) Hurricanes:

Winds Speeds in excess of 155 mph and a Storm Surge that is about 18 feet above the normal. Catastrophic devastation of some homes and buildings. Very life-threatening to Humans and Animals with total devastation to trees, Power Lines, Telephone Poles and Mobile homes. Just like Cat4, Cat5 Storms take years and years to rebuild communities like Andrew in 1992 and Katrina in 2005.