Here's what the hurricane categories mean

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale​ rates hurricanes on a scale from 1 to 5.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Hurricanes are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which includes five categories based on the storm's sustained wind speeds. It also estimates possible damage to property, ranging from "some damage" to "catastrophic."So far, the 2026 season has been below average in the Atlantic due to the effects of El Niño, a pattern driven by warmer waters in the Pacific. But the Pacific has seen more strong storms, including Hurricane Lowell, which brought flooding to Hawaii, and Hurricane Polo, which reached Category 5 strength off the west coast of Mexico.What is a "major hurricane?"If a storm is a Category 3, 4 or 5, it is deemed a "major" hurricane due to the potential for "significant loss of life and damage," the National Hurricane Center says.

Hurricanes that fall into categories 1 or 2 are still considered dangerous, the center says. What are the categories of hurricanes and what do they mean?Here is how the scale breaks down, according to the National Hurricane Center, starting with a look at the most powerful:Category 5Sustained wind speed of 157 mph or higher "Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential