Category 1 Hurricane Research Paper

Words: 528
Pages: 3

Hurricanes are measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The wind speed of the hurricane is ranked 1-5. Hurricanes that would be considered severe are hurricanes that reach Category 3 or higher. Significant loss of life and damage can happen with major hurricanes. A Category 1 hurricane is considered a low-risk hurricane that causes minimal damage. Wind gusts could reach 74 to 95 mph. A Category 2 hurricane is considered a hurricane that has the potential to cause serious damage and wind speeds can reach 90-110 miles per hour. Winds can reach up to 111-129 mph and devastating damage can occur with a Category 3 hurricane. Wind speeds can reach 111-129 mph. Catastrophic damage can be caused by a Category 4 hurricane. Wind speeds can reach 130-156 mph. …show more content…
All winds greater than 156 mph are considered Category 5. Hurricane Katrina was named a Category 5 hurricane because it reached 173 mph (280 km/h) and a pressure of 902 mbar (peak). How strong a hurricane is is determined by how high or low its pressure is. Meteorologists monitor the air pressure in a storm because the lower the air pressure, the stronger the storm. The air pressure (barometric pressure) displays how the weight of the atmosphere changes. When air pressure drops, it usually means a storm is approaching. Usually, the storm will make its way there in the next 12 to 24 hours. The storm is stronger when the air usually, this storm makes its way here in the next 12 to 24 hours. The storm is stronger when the atmospheric pressure is lower. Normal air pressure on a normal day is 1013.2 mb, so a 902 mbar hurricane is a very powerful one. A barometer is used to measure air pressure. The unit of measurement for air pressure is millibar. Barometric pressure rises in tandem with sea level rise. However, if the barometric pressure increases, the hurricane may lose its strength. Hurricane Katrina lasted 8 days. It began on August 23rd, 2005 and ended on August 31st,