Category 4 Hurricane vs. Category 5 Hurricane

Attribute	Category 4 Hurricane	Category 5 Hurricane
Wind Speed	130-156 mph	157 mph or higher
Storm Surge	13-18 feet	18 feet or higher
Damage	Devastating damage	Catastrophic damage
Typical Effects	Roof and wall failures	Complete building failures

Introduction

When it comes to hurricanes, the Category 4 and Category 5 storms are among the most powerful and destructive. These hurricanes are characterized by extremely high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause widespread devastation. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes to understand the differences between these two dangerous weather phenomena.

Wind Speed

One of the key differences between Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes is the wind speed. Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds of 130-156 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. This means that Category 5 hurricanes are capable of causing even more damage than Category 4 hurricanes due to their higher wind speeds.

Pressure

Another important factor to consider when comparing Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes is the central pressure of the storm. Category 4 hurricanes typically have a central pressure of 920-944 millibars, while Category 5 hurricanes have a central pressure of 920 millibars or lower. The lower the central pressure, the stronger the hurricane, making Category 5 hurricanes more intense and destructive than Category 4 hurricanes.

Size

Category 5 hurricanes are often larger in size compared to Category 4 hurricanes. This means that the area affected by the hurricane's strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges is larger in the case of a Category 5 storm. The larger size of Category 5 hurricanes can result in more widespread damage and devastation compared to Category 4 hurricanes, which are typically smaller in size.

Storm Surge

Storm surge is a major concern during hurricanes, as it can cause flooding and destruction along coastlines. Category 4 hurricanes can produce storm surges of 13-18 feet, while Category 5 hurricanes can produce storm surges of 18 feet or higher. The higher storm surges associated with Category 5 hurricanes can lead to more severe flooding and coastal erosion compared to Category 4 hurricanes.

Rainfall

Both Category 4 and Category 5 hurricanes are capable of producing heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding and landslides. However, Category 5 hurricanes tend to produce more rainfall compared to Category 4 hurricanes. The intense rainfall associated with Category 5 hurricanes can result in widespread flooding and water damage, making them even more dangerous than Category 4 hurricanes in terms of precipitation.

Impact

Overall, Category 5 hurricanes are considered to be more destructive and dangerous compared to Category 4 hurricanes. The combination of higher wind speeds, lower central pressure, larger size, higher storm surges, and heavier rainfall makes Category 5 hurricanes more devastating in terms of their impact on communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Category 5 hurricanes are capable of causing catastrophic damage and loss of life, making them one of the most powerful natural disasters on Earth.