Hurricanes are low-pressure systems with organized thunderstorm activity that form over tropical waters in particular oceans. It occurs in the Atlantic Ocean or North-eastern Pacific Ocean and is sometimes called one of nature’s most powerful storms. Hurricanes can produce very strong wind storms that lead to heavy rainfall that can lead to inland flooding and rip currents. According to some reports, a total of 305 Atlantic hurricanes have produced hurricane force winds in all states along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Among them, Florida has the most hurricanes, often leading to the destruction of homes and properties, injuries to people, and, in some cases, death. In this article, we will be discussing the five categories of hurricanes, which include:

• Category 1 (very dangerous)
• Category 2 (extremely dangerous)
• Category 3 (devastating damage)
• Category 4 (catastrophic damage)
• Category 5 (catastrophic damage)

Since hurricanes can cause the destruction of homes and properties, can personal injury laws work in this case? Let’s find out!

Category 1

According to the National Hurricane Centre and Central Pacific Hurricane Centre, a category 1 hurricane can sustain a speed of 74–95 mph. This type of hurricane can cause damage to well-constructed frame homes, roofs, and gutters. Large branches of trees are not exempt, as they will snap, and shallow-rooted trees may be toppled. Power lines are likely to be damaged, thereby causing a power outbreak for days. An example of this hurricane was Hurricane Jerry (1989).

Category 2

Category 2 can sustain a speed of up to 96–110 mph. This can cause damage to homes and sustain major property damage, especially to the roof. As with category 1, there will be a near total power loss that could last for several days or weeks. An example of this type of hurricane was Hurricane Bob, which occurred in 1991.

Category 3

This hurricane can sustain a speed of 111–129 mph. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks before the storm passes. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. A clear example of this hurricane is Hurricane Gloria, which happened in 1985.

Category 4

The wind speed for this hurricane is between 130 and 156 mph. This can cause damage with the loss of most of the roof structure, the uprooting of very large trees, and the shutdown of power infrastructure for weeks or even months. This was the case with Hurricane Charley, which occurred in 2004.

Category 5

Lastly, this hurricane is the most catastrophic of all the hurricanes; it travels at a speed of 157 mph or higher, causing devastating damage. It completely annihilates and destroys anything on her path. The power will be shut down for months and the area will become uninhabitable for months. An example was Hurricane Katrina, which occurred in 2005. Will Personal Injury Laws Apply in the Case of a Natural Disaster? Personal injury law primarily practices in the area of law called tort law. Examples of this law include, but are not limited to, slip and fall, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and traffic collisions. In the case of injury or damage caused by a natural phenomenon, such as a hurricane, no one is entitled to compensation or claims for properties destroyed or damaged. But on the contrary, you could sue a person for negligence. Say, for example, that a hurricane has caused a tree to block the road. If a driver tries to get past the tree and hurts someone in the process, the driver can be sued for negligence. From there, the victim can file for damage to the vehicle (if any) or medical bills spent on treating the injuries sustained.