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The U.S. National Hurricane Center classifies hurricanes of Category 3 and above as major hurricanes. The definition of sustained winds recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and used by most weather agencies is that of a 10-minute average at a height of 10 m (33 ft) . The U.S. weather service defines sustained winds based on 1-minute average speed, also measured 10 m (33 ft) above the surface..Central pressure values are approximate. Intensity of example hurricanes is from both the time of landfall and the maximum intensity.

The five categories are, in order of increasing intensity:

Category 1

Category 1 storms usually cause no real damage to building structures; however, these storms can tip over unanchored mobile homes, as well as uproot and/or snap trees. Some blowing off of poorly attached roof shingles/tiles can occur. Also, they produce some coastal flooding, as well as minor pier damage.

Storms of this intensity include Bess, in 1974; Jerry, in 1989; Ismael, in 1995; Danny, in 1997, Gaston in 2004, and Humberto in 2007

Category 2

Storms of this intensity damage some roofing material, and also produce damage to poorly constructed doors and windows. Considerable damage is caused to vegetation, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Mobile homes, whether anchored or not, are usually badly wrecked, and general manufactured homes also suffer structural damage. Also, small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their moorings.

Hurricanes that peaked at Category 2 intensity, and made landfall while still in that category include Carol of 1954; Diana in 1990; Erin during the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season; Marty in 2003; and Juan, which struck Canada in 2003.

Category 3

Tropical cyclones of this intensity and higher receive the name of major hurricanes when located in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins. These storms can cause some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, particularly those of wood frame and/or manufactured materials with a minor amount of curtain wall failures. Buildings that lack a solid foundation, such as mobile homes, are usually destroyed, and gable end roofs are peeled off. Manufactured homes usually sustain very heavy and irreparable damage. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, while larger structures are hit by floating debris. Additionally, terrain may be flooded well inland.

A few examples of storms of this intensity include Alma of 1966, Alicia of 1983, Roxanne of 1995, Fran of 1996, and Isidore of 2002.

Category 4

Category 4 hurricanes tend to produce more extensive curtain wall failures, with some complete roof structural failure on small residences. Heavy, irrepairable damage and/or near complete destruction of gas station canopies and other wide span overhang type structures is also very common. Mobile and manufactured homes are leveled down to the ground. They also cause major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland as well.

Hurricanes of this intensity are extremely dangerous to populated areas. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster to hit the United States, would be classified as Category 4 if it were to occur today. Other examples of storms at this intensity are Hazel (1954), Iniki (1992), Iris (2001) and Charley (2004).

Category 5

Category 5 is the highest category a tropical cyclone can obtain in the Saffir-Simpson scale. These storms cause complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings, and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Collapse of many wide span roofs and walls, especially those with no interior supports. Very heavy and irreparable damage to many wood frame structures and total destruction to mobile/manufactured homes. Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact, but only if located at least 3 to 5 miles inland. They include office/condo/apartment buildings and hotels that are of solid concrete construction, public multistory concrete parking garages, and residences that are made of either reinforced brick or concrete/cement block and have hipped roofs with slopes of no less than 35 degrees from horizontal and no overhangs of any kind. The storm's flooding causes major damage to the lower floors of all structures near the shoreline, and many coastal structures can be completely flattened and/or washed away by the storm surge. Storm surge damage can occur up to 4 city blocks inland, with flooding, depending on terrain, reaching 6 to 7 blocks inland. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required if the hurricane threatens populated areas.

Storms of this intensity can be extremely damaging. Several historical examples include the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, the 1959 Mexico Hurricane, Hurricane Camille in 1969, Gilbert in 1988, and Andrew in 1992.

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