Grand Cayman

Time & Temperature

Check the

Weather Forecast 

before you pack

your bags.

 

Hurricane season typically last from June 1st to November 30th

Saffir-Simpson Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates a hurricane's intensity using wind speed and storm surge, which is the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. The scale also estimates the potential damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

Tropical Storm 39-73 mph wind   Category 1 74-95 mph wind   Category 2 96-110 mph wind   Category 3 111-130 mph wind   Category 4 131-155 mph wind   Category 5 > 155 mph wind

Category One
Wind speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
Storm surge: 4-5 feet above normal
Damage: Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees along with some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage
Examples: Allison, 1995; Danny, 1997 (pictured at left)

Category Two
Wind speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
Storm surge: 6-8 feet above normal
Damage: Roofing, door and window damage to buildings; Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees, mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers
Examples: Bonnie (satellite image at left), Georges, 1998

Category Three
Wind speed: 111-130 mph (178-209 km/h)
Storm surge: 9-12 feet above normal
Damage: Structural damage to small residences and utility buildings; foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down; mobile homes destroyed
Examples: Roxanne, 1995; Fran, 1996 (pictured at left)

Category Four
Wind speed: 131-155 mph (210-249 km/h)
Storm surge: 13-18 feet above normal
Damage: Extensive damage to doors, windows and lower floors of shoreline houses; total roof failures on small residences; shrubs, trees, and all signs blown down; mobile homes completely destroyed
Examples: Hugo, 1989, (pictured at left); Luis, Felix, Opal, 1995

Category Five
Wind speed: Greater than 155 mph (249 km/h)
Storm surge: generally greater than 18 feet above normal
Damage: Complete roof failure on many buildings and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away; severe and extensive window and door damage; mobile homes completely destroyed
Examples: Camille, 1969 (pictured at left); Gilbert, 1988; Andrew, 1992; Mitch, 1998

RELATED SITES • NOAA Web site •  National Hurricane Center •  Red Cross: Hurricane safety •  Federal Emergency Mangement Agency