The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates a hurricane by its maximum one-minute sustained wind:
| Category | Wind (mph) | Wind (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74 to 95 | 119 to 153 |
| 2 | 96 to 110 | 154 to 177 |
| 3 | 111 to 129 | 178 to 208 |
| 4 | 130 to 156 | 209 to 251 |
| 5 | 157 or more | 252 or more |
Categories 3, 4 and 5 are called major hurricanes. The NHC describes the damage in words: Category 1 brings "very dangerous winds [that] will produce some damage", Category 2 "extremely dangerous winds [that] will cause extensive damage", Category 3 "devastating damage", and Categories 4 and 5 "catastrophic damage".