STORMS are categorised using what’s known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Different types of damage may occur depending on each storm category.
1
Hurricane Florence off the US east coast in the Atlantic Ocean on September 10, 2018 Credit: AFP or licensors What do levels 1 to 5 mean?
Category 1 - 74-94 mph: Damage to building structures, poorly constructed signs, shrubbery, and trees while loose outdoor items become projectiles. Numerous power outages.
Category 2 - 96-110 mph:. As above plus a number of high rise building glass windows dislodged to become missile while electricity could be out for several days.
Category 3 - 111-129 mph: Devastating damage.
Category 4 - 130 -156 mph: Catastrophic destruction to roofs and walls of buildings.
Category 5 - 156 mph: Most homes flattened.
Has there even been a level 6 hurricane?
This category doesn’t exist officially, but there have been calls for this.
This would be a hurricane with winds beyond 156mph.
Some forecasters believe it is only a matter of time before a category 6 or even 7 becomes a reality as global warming makes weather more extreme.
What is the Saffir-Simpson wind scale?
This scale is used to give an estimate of the possible property damage and flooding expected along the coast when a hurricane hits land.
The combination of storm surge, wind, and other factors determine the hurricane's total destructive power
It has five categories with Category 1 meaning a weak hurricane and to a worst case scenario of Category 5.
MOST READ IN NEWS
FACE UP Andrew could be forced to give evidence if he dodges Virginia Roberts’ rape claims
CHAINED TO BED Tragic tale of prostitute orangutan forced into sex with men twice her size
REIGN OF TERROR Taliban 'hang Afghans in the streets and shoot their bodies'
NOT CRATE Council force landlord to stop renting out SHIPPING CONTAINER for ￡200 a week
BATH TRAGEDY Author accused of drowning baby daughter in bath walks free from court
RAPE HORROR Outrage after woman, 34, is raped with iron rod and dies from her injuries
Close-up of the eye of Hurricane Florence as 130mph winds head towards southeastern US
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.