Category three hurricanes are characterized by winds ranging from 111 to 130 mph (96-113 knots or 178-209 km/h). These storms typically produce storm surges 9 to 12 feet above normal levels. As a result, small homes and utility structures can sustain some structural damage, and there might be minimal curtain wall failures. Shrubs and trees often suffer damage, with leaves blown off and large trees uprooted. Mobile homes and poorly built signs are usually destroyed. Rising water can block low-lying escape routes 3 to 5 hours before the hurricane's center arrives. Flooding near the coast can obliterate smaller structures and damage larger ones due to floating debris. Areas consistently lower than 5 feet above mean sea level may experience flooding extending 8 miles (13 km) or more inland. Evacuating low-lying homes within several blocks of the shore might be necessary.Hurricanes are classified on a scale from 1 to 5 based on their intensity, which helps estimate the potential property damage and coastal flooding when a hurricane makes landfall. The scale primarily considers wind speed, as storm surge levels can vary greatly depending on the continental shelf's slope in the landfall area. For more information, refer to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.
