A Look Into the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and 2018's Storm Devastation

Hurricane Season 2018: By the numbers

There are four main causes of automobile body damage: negligence, fender benders, high-speed collisions, and weather. Weather damage can range from hail scratching and denting the body of the car to severe winds lifting up debris and smashing it into the vehicle.

Unfortunately, major storms can do far more damage than just scratch up and dent vehicles -- especially when hurricanes are involved.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30th each year. Although 2017 was devastating in terms of financial, structural, and fatal damage that spanned incredible 10 major storms in a row that became hurricanes -- a feat that hasn't happened since the late 1800s -- 2018's Atlantic hurricane season was filled with plenty of destruction, as well.

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season was the third consecutive above-average and damaging seasons, featured 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. These storms resulted in the loss of 154 lives and $33.27 billion.

"A record seven named storms -- Alberto, Beryl, Debby, Ernesto, Joyce, Leslie, and Oscar -- were classified as subtropical at some point," said a spokesperson for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "The previous record of five subtropical storms occurred in 1969. A subtropical storm is a named storm that has tropical and non-tropical characteristics. All subtropical storms this season eventually transitioned into a tropical storm, with three (Beryl, Leslie, and Oscar) eventually becoming hurricanes."

Whether it's a Category 1 storm or an intense Category 5 hurricane, these storms can cause all kinds of serious injuries. Thankfully, there are plenty of professional medical facilities across the country that can tend to hurricane-related injuries and provide immediate care at all times. In fact, 85% of urgent care centers are open seven days a week.

The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, formally the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale, classifies tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. If a storm is nearby with powerful windspeeds, a storm warning or tropical storm warning is required.

Here are the differences between the various hurricane categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

• Category 1 Hurricanes -- Very dangerous winds producing some damage. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roofs, shingles, siding, and gutters. Large tree branches will likely snap and entire shallowly rooted trees could topple over. Expensive damage to power lines will likely result in power outages lasting a few days. Windspeeds between 74 and 95 miles per hour.
• Category 2 Hurricanes -- Extremely dangerous winds causing extensive damage. Well-constructed homes could sustain major roof and siding damage as a result of Cat 2 hurricanes. Additionally, shallowly rooted trees will likely snap or uproot and block roadways and cause power outages. Windspeeds between 96 and 110 miles per hour.
• Category 3 Hurricanes (major) -- Cat 3 storms are major storms, leading to devastating damage. Strong homes could incur severe damage and even removal of roof decking and gable ends. There will likely be trees all around the area that have been uprooted, causing all kinds of traffic safety issues, as well as electricity and water problems. Windspeeds between 111 to 129 miles per hour.
• Category 4 Hurricanes (major) -- Catastrophic damage will occur as a result of Cat 4 hurricanes. Entire roofs may be destroyed, as well as exterior walls. The majority of trees will be uprooted and spread across the area, causing all sorts of damage and power outages lasting weeks or months. Windspeeds between 130 and 156 miles per hour.
• Category 5 Hurricanes (major) -- Cat 4 hurricanes will lead to catastrophe damage, destroying a high percentage of framed homes in the area to be destroyed, with total roof and wall collapses. Power outages will likely last for months and most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or even months. Windspeeds of 157 miles per hour or higher.

Although the Atlantic hurricane season is officially over, there is always a chance of a major storm or hurricane developing and striking the United States. No matter where you live, make sure you are regularly monitoring local weather reports and are doing everything to remain safe in the wake of these weather disasters.