Severe and extensive window and door damage. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 was a Category Five hurricane at peak intensity and is the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclone of record. Small Craft Advisories may also be issued for hazardous sea conditions or lower wind speeds that may affect small craft operations. Minimal Damage - Some damage to chimneys, TV antennas, roof shingles and windows.
Breaks branches off trees, pushes over shallow-rooted trees, damages sign boards.
Moderate Damage - Automobiles overturned, carports destroyed, trees uprooted, peels surface off roofs, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, moving autos pushed off the roads. Incredible Damage - Homes leveled with all debris removed, strong frame houses lifted off foundations and carried considerable distances to disintegrate. Schools, motels, and other larger structures have considerable damage with exterior walls and roofs gone, steel re-inforced concrete structures badly damaged. Automobile sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters, trees debarked. These winds are very unlikely.