Hurricane Ian’s wind speed and category 4 and 5 explained

We explain Hurricane Ian’s current strength and wind speed as it nears Florida on Wednesday.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane made landfall Monday in Cuba as a category 3 hurricane and is now heading towards southwest Florida.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis has declared a state emergency. Schools have been closed for the duration of the week because of severe weather conditions.

Now, which wind speed does Hurricane Ian have? Let’s take a look at the different categories.

What is Hurricane Ian’s current wind speed?

Hurricane Ian is now a category four hurricane with wind speeds of staggering 155 mph at the time of writing. But, the hurricane is close to becoming category five, with winds speeds of at least 157 mph.

The National Hurricane Center reported at 9 AM local time that Ian was moving northeast at 60 miles west of Naples.

Storms of category 3, 4, 5 or 5 are considered to be “major”Potential “significant loss of life and damage”According to the weather service,

Florida is likely to feel the effects of Hurricane Irma with its destructive winds, heavy rains, and flooding.

Explained:

The National Hurricane CenterThe hurricane category and strength are both factors that can cause damage.

Category 5 – winds of 157 mph 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.”

Category 4 – winds of 130-156 mph

“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.”

Category 3 – winds of 111-129 mph

“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.”

More information and resources

For more information about Ian’s expected path, you can visit the official website of theNational Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

Live updates are also available fromAccuWeatherand find information about the seven evacuation zones on Florida Disaster‘s website.

To prepare for an evacuation, it’It is essential to bring basic necessities like food, water, warm clothes. You can download the Disaster Supply Checklist for Floridianshere.

Governor DeSantis announced that residents have access to 176 shelters, and that there are 5,000 Florida guardsmen available to assist the public.

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