What exactly do cyclone categories mean? How strong are the winds expected to be for a Tropical Cyclone (TC) 1 as opposed to a Tropical Cyclone 4? How much damage can TC 1 do over TC 4? Tropical Cyclone Tomas, for instance, has been labeled a category 3.
Here is a brief expalanation on the categories and potential impacts:
- Trocipcal Cyclone 1 - Less than 125 km/hr (gales). Typical effects: Negligible house damage; damage to some crops and trees; boats may drag moorings.
- Typical Cyclone 2 - 125 to 169 km/hr (destructive winds). Typical effects: Minor house damage; significant damage to signs and trees; heavy damage to some crops; risk of power failure; small crafts may break moorings.
- Typical Cyclone 3 - 170 to 224 km/hr (very destructive winds). Typical effects: Some roof and structural damage; power failure likely.
- Typical Cyclone 4 - 225 to 279 km/hr (very destructive winds). Typical effects: Significant roofing loss and structural damage; dangerous airborne debris; widespread power failures.
- Typical Cyclone 5 - More than 280 km/hr (very destructive winds). Typical effects: Extremely dangerous with widespread destrcution.