Which Hurricanes Were Category 5?

Category 5 hurricanes are the most powerful storms in the Atlantic Basin, with sustained winds of 157 mph or higher and catastrophic potential damage. These storms require immediate evacuation and emergency preparations to ensure public safety.

Here’s a list of some of the most notable category 5 hurricanes that have made landfall in the United States:

1. The Labor Day Hurricane (1935): This storm made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds of 185 mph, making it the strongest hurricane to hit the United States. The storm caused widespread destruction and killed over 400 people.

2. Hurricane Camille (1969): With winds of 175 mph, Camille made landfall in Mississippi and caused catastrophic damage to coastal communities. The storm surge was estimated to be over 24 feet, causing millions of dollars in damage.

3. Hurricane Andrew (1992): This storm made landfall in southern Florida with winds of 165 mph, causing widespread destruction and 26 deaths. The storm caused over $26 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

4. Hurricane Katrina (2005): Although not as intense as some of the other category 5 storms on this list, Katrina caused catastrophic damage and flooding in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The storm surge caused widespread destruction along the Gulf Coast, killing over 1,800 people and causing over $100 billion in damage.

5. Hurricane Irma (2017): Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds of 130 mph, causing widespread power outages and damage. The storm later made landfall in Florida as a category 4, causing an additional $83 billion in damage.

6. Hurricane Maria (2017): Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a category 5 storm with winds of 155 mph, causing widespread devastation and an estimated 2,975 deaths. The storm caused over $90 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

7. Hurricane Irma (2017): Just days after Maria made landfall, Hurricane Irma struck the Caribbean and Florida, causing an estimated $83 billion in damage and 134 deaths.

8. Hurricane Dorian (2019): Dorian made landfall in The Bahamas as a category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph, causing widespread destruction and an estimated 70 deaths. The storm later hit the southeastern United States, causing an additional $14 billion in damage.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other category 5 hurricanes have made landfall in the United States and the Caribbean with devastating effects.

Staying prepared and aware of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones from these powerful storms.