Cat 3 Hurricane

The Dreaded Cat 3 Hurricane

What is a Category 3 Hurricane?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. A Category 3 hurricane is classified as a "major hurricane" with maximum sustained winds of 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h).

Category 3 hurricanes can cause devastating damage to coastal areas, including flooding, wind damage, and power outages. They are also responsible for numerous deaths and injuries each year.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. The scale was developed in 1971 by Dr. Herbert Saffir and Robert Simpson, engineers with the National Weather Service. The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 5 being the most intense.

The following table shows the wind speeds and damage associated with each category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

Category	Wind Speed	Damage
1	74-95 mph	Minor damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
2	96-110 mph	Moderate damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
3	111-129 mph	Severe damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
4	130-156 mph	Extreme damage to trees, power lines, and structures.
5	157 mph or higher	Catastrophic damage to trees, power lines, and structures.

Preventing Hurricane Damage

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent hurricane damage, including:

• Securing loose objects around your home, such as patio furniture and grills.
• Boarding up windows and doors to prevent wind damage.
• Evacuating to a safe location if ordered to do so by local authorities.

By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your property and your loved ones from the devastating effects of a hurricane.