Martin County Emergency Management Agency

🌀 Know the Categories. Respect Every Storm. 🌧️
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speeds, from Category 1 to Category 5. As wind speeds increase, so does the potential for damage, but don't let the category be your only guide.
🌪️ Hurricane Categories:
Category 1: 74–95 MPH - Dangerous Wind
Category 2: 96–110 MPH - Very Dangerous Wind
Category 3: 111–129 MPH - Devastating Damage
Category 4: 130–156 MPH - Catastrophic Damage
Category 5: 157+ MPH - Catastrophic Destruction
Remember: Storm surge, heavy rainfall, flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes can occur with any hurricane, regardless of its category. Even a lower-category storm can have life-threatening impacts.

Day 5 and last of the Florida Training for Emergency Management Symposium is underway. Today we’re hearing keynote speakers such as Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service, Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the Lt. Governor, Jay Collins! We’re excited to come home to Martin County and apply everything we learned.