Surge Strength

Category Five: This is the most intense rating a hurricane can achieve. Winds speeds are greater than 155 mph with a storm surge of 18 feet or more above normal. Damage may include complete roof failure for some structures, some complete building failures, excessive damage to doors and windows, and mobile homes could be destroyed. Trees and shrubs would probably be blown down. Flooding may be expected three to five hours before the hurricane center passes, and may cause damage to lower floors of all structures that are located 15 feet or less above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. There may be extensive evacuations for residents on low-lying ground within five to ten miles from the shoreline. An example of this type of hurricane was Hurricane Gilbert of 1988. This hurricane is the strongest one on record so far. Gilbert struck land at Cozumel, Mexico on September 14, 1988, causing extreme damage and loss of life.

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