Hurricanes are classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a system that categorizes storms based on their sustained wind speeds and the potential for damage. This scale ranges from Category 1, the weakest, to Category 5, the most intense. A "major" hurricane, as defined by the National Hurricane Center, is any storm that reaches Category 3 or higher, due to its potential for significant loss of life and destruction. Even Category 1 and 2 hurricanes can be dangerous, though they generally cause less severe damage. Category 5 hurricanes are the most powerful, with sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. These storms can lead to catastrophic damage, such as the destruction of many framed homes, total roof failure, and even wall collapse. Notable examples include Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Irma in 2017, and Hurricane Camille in 1969. These storms are rare but have had devastating impacts on coastal communities. Category 4 hurricanes have winds between 130 and 156 mph and can cause severe damage to even well-constructed homes, including roof and wall failures, as well as widespread power outages. Notable Category 4 storms include Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused massive flooding in Texas, and Hurricane Ida in 2021, which devastated parts of Louisiana and the Northeast. Category 3 hurricanes, with winds between 111 and 129 mph, can cause major damage to homes and infrastructure, including roof and wall damage, and extended power outages. Examples include Hurricane Zeta in 2020 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005, both of which caused significant destruction in their respective regions. While there is no official Category 6, some scientists have suggested that the scale may need to be updated in the future due to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme storms, potentially linked to climate change. Hurricane Katrina, which reached Category 5 over the Gulf of Mexico in 2005, made landfall as a Category 3 storm, causing catastrophic flooding and over $75 billion in damage. More recently, Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, hit Florida in 2022, leaving millions without power and highlighting the growing risks associated with rapidly intensifying hurricanes.