Category 1 - A storm with winds of 74 to 95 mph. Remember, a wind of 75 mph is not simply three times stronger than a wind of 25 mph, it is nine times stronger. Wind strength goes up geometrically in relation to its speed. Category 1 hurricanes push storm surges of 5 to 9 feet. A storm surge is the ocean water pushed ahead of the storm by winds.
Storm surges are more severe during high tides.
Category 2 - A storm with winds of 96 to 110 mph. A storm surge of 11 to 15 feet. View a graphic of the water level and damage a Category 2 storm would cause. A storm surge of 15 to 18 feet. Categories 4 and 5 - Storms with winds of 131 to 156 mph and up.