Community Chat

[Mindy D]

QUOTED FROM NOA:

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term "super typhoon" is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.

Category Sustained Winds Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds

1	74-95 mph 64-82 kt 119-153 km/h	Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
2	96-110 mph 83-95 kt 154-177 km/h	Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
3 (major)	111-129 mph 96-112 kt 178-208 km/h	Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4 (major)	130-156 mph 113-136 kt 209-251 km/h	Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5 (major)	157 mph or higher 137 kt or higher 252 km/h or higher	Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

[NickNack]

I don't understand not evacuating at this time.  It will be too late later.  Even if it does't directly hit there will be major damage and power outages.

[Zhills]

Can you really imagine a Cat5 moving very slow!  

This storm has hurricane winds 30 miles from the eye......

That's a path 60 miles wide for just the worse winds of it!

God bless the Bahamas and all in the path of Dorian!

[Mindy D]

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@NickNack wrote:

I don't understand not evacuating at this time.  It will be too late later.  Even if it does't directly hit there will be major damage and power outages.

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Plenty of Bahamians are staying over here in South Florida. So many have family here and plenty of them are staying in hotels. They are not stupid. One thing though. The news and hotels over there sometimes minimize storms to tourists. 

[ValuSkr]

So what is Dorian currently rated?

[Zhills]

Cat 5

Michael was a Cat 5 when it hit the panhandle last year!

Flattened the area!

[millieshops]

@NickNackMy understanding of mandatory evacuation is that its main purpose is to avoid deaths -  think Katrina when so many could not or did not take heed of the mandatory evscuation.

I've been in th path of only a few hurricanes although never one as scary as Dorian.  Never evacuated.  Super uncomfortable  but manageable.

Neighbios decided to evacuatate that storm even though no evacuation was suggested.  They ended up having to drive nearly 500 miles north before they could find a place to stay!  Several million people live south of us just on the east coast of Florida -  where would everyone have to go if the majority decided to ignore the advice and flee AND what would that mean for the millions north of us if they were told to get to safety?   500 miles would find them in the Carolinas!   Now who's safe?

PS -  that couple who had driven to mid-Georgia from southern Florida did not ever evacuate again -  and, kind of funny, their son who lives near us and even closer to the shore, spent that hurricane safely in his parents' condo!

So hard to know what to do.

[gidgetgh]

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@ValuSkr wrote:

So what is Dorian currently rated?

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@ValuSkr - category 5, 180 mph and still strengthening.

[SilleeMee]

Where I live in Colorado we sometimes have Cat-2 winds...that's bad enough!! What I don't like about storms that do so much damage is that everyone will pay the price across the nation. When building supplies are needed in one location to repair the damages then that causes the prices of stuff to go up everywhere...and that goes for homeowners insurance rates, too. The last time I renewed my policy, replacement cost went up disproportionately. So basically everyone is going to be affected by these major hurricanes and not just the people living in those areas affected by them.

[Zhills]

You don't have to drive so far to evacuate you home.  Shelters are open.  Friends live in stronger homes.  Some Churches will open their facilities.  Many schools will open their facilities. 

Nobody needs to stay in an unsafe place!  Yes, the Coastal area needs to get out of the area!

Don't go to another Coastal area, head inland!