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Jim Williams: 9/26 Hurricane Sam is forecast to pass N.E of the Leeward Islands by mid week. Models indicate Sam should pass very near Bermuda by next weekend as a major hurricane.
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Tropical
Depression
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Tropical Depression
Winds: <39 mph
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface winds are 38 miles per hour (33 knots) or less. Characteristically having one or more closed isobars, it may form slowly from a tropical disturbance or an easterly wave which has continued to organize.
Source: WeatherDictionary.com
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Tropical
Storm
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Tropical Storm
Winds: 39-73 mph
At this point, the system is given a name to identify and track it.Damage done to only the flimsiest lean-to type structures. Unsecured light signs blown down, minor damage to trees and bushes. Some small dead limbs, ripe coconuts, and dead palm fronds blown from trees. Some fragile and tender green leaves blown from trees.
Source: WeatherDictionary.com, Notes: saffir simpson scale
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Category 1
Hurricane
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Category 1 Hurricane
Winds: 74-95 mph
Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Source: National Hurricane Center
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Category 2
Hurricane
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Category 2 Hurricane
Winds: 96-110 mph
Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Source: National Hurricane Center
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Category 3
Hurricane
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Category 3 Hurricane
Winds: 111-129 mph
Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
Source: National Hurricane Center
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Category 4
Hurricane
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Category 4 Hurricane
Winds: 130-156 mph
Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).
Source: National Hurricane Center
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Category 5
Hurricane
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Category 5 Hurricane
Winds: >156 mph
Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. 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. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.
Source: National Hurricane Center
  
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