Where Data Tells the Story
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This graphic explains the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is widely used to categorize the intensity and damage potential of impending hurricanes.
Hurricanes often weaken as they approach land due to friction with the surface and reduced access to the warm ocean waters that fuel them.
For example, Hurricane Katrina strengthened into a Category 5 over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but reduced to a Category 3 upon landfall.
Hurricane winds can cause significant damage to buildings, but often the majority of damage comes from storm surges (tsunami-like phenomenon of rising water) and flooding.
To learn more, check out: The Costliest Hurricanes to Hit the U.S.