What is a category 2 hurricane? What does a category 2 storm actually mean? And what kind of damage can this category of storm do? During hurricane season in Florida people talk about the threat of hurricanes a lot. But not many folks give many details on what each category of storm is and what kind of consequences they can have. So we want to provide you with all the details you need to know about a category 2 hurricane. The intent of this article is to help you better understand hurricanes so you can better protect your Florida home and family when a storm does approach.
FAQs
According to the National Hurricane Center a category 2 hurricane is a storm classified as a 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It is not classified as a major storm. But it is considered to be “extremely dangerous”. Also it should be noted that this scale is used to classify a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speeds only. It does not factor in rain, flooding, storm surge, etc. It is used to predict the potential for property damage.
Category 2 hurricane have sustained wind speeds of 96 – 110 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale details the potential danger and damage of each category of storm. And according to the NOAA website, a category 2 storm involves “extremely dangerous winds” that “will cause extensive damage.”
Also, as a reminder the Saffir-Simpson scale only considers damage from sustained wind speeds. So it does not consider rain, storm surge, or flooding, etc. So if you live in a coastal area prone to flooding this should be considered as well.
According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale on the NOAA website, a category 2 storm has the potential to cause extensive damage to “well-constructed frame homes.” Homes can have major damage to a home’s roof and siding. Also, this storm has the potential to break trees or unroot them. Also, “near-total” loss is to be expected in terms of power.
Whether you need to evacuate for a category two storm will depend on the specific storm and your specific location. It is recommended to sign up for a storm alert system. It’s also advised that you follow the recommendations of your local weather service and local authorities. You can find out more about evacuation information at Know Your Zone.
Recent Category 2 Atlantic storms
Some of the more recent category 2 Atlantic storms are:
- Sally, 2020, 110 MPH peak winds, $7.3 BB damage
- Paulette, 2020, 105 MPH peak winds, $50 MM damage
- Jerry, 2019, 105 MPH peak winds, no recorded damage
- Oscar, 2018, 110 MPH peak winds, no recorded damage
- Helene, 2018, 110 MPH peak winds, minimal damage
- Chris, 2018, 105 MPH peak winds, minimal damage
- Katia, 2017, 105 MPH peak winds, $3.26 MM damage
- Gert, 2017, 110 MPH peak winds, unknown damage
How can you protect your home against a hurricane in Florida?
Living in Florida means protecting both your family and home from hurricanes. When it comes to hurricane protection you have options, such as hurricane shutters, storm panels and impact windows.
If you need more information you can learn more about all your hurricane protection options on the Eurex Shutters site. And if you need window protection for your home, including anywhere in Southwest Florida then we would love to help.
