One-minute maximum sustained wind speeds for a category 5 hurricane:
- Miles per hour (mph): 157 or greater.
- Kilometers per hour (km/h): 252 or greater.
- Knots: 137 or greater.
- Meters per second (m/s): 70 or greater.
Below you can learn more about a category 5 hurricane, view a list of past category 5 hurricanes and photos.
About Category 5 Hurricanes
A category 5 hurricane is the highest strength hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and will cause very catastrophic damage with the potential for huge losses of life. An area hit by a hurricane of this strength can have extended periods of power outages and lack other utilities for many months. Very few structures that are within 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8 kilometers) of the costal line will survive intact.
List of Past Category 5 Hurricanes
Below is a list of category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic since 1990 to 2018:
- Hurricane Michael – 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Maria – 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Irma – 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Matthew – 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Felix – 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Dean – 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Wilma – 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Rita – 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Katrina – 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Emily – 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Ivan – 2004 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Isabel – 2003 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Mitch – 1998 Atlantic Hurricane Season
- Hurricane Andrew – 1992 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Pictures of Category 5 Hurricanes
Below are satellite images of six category 5 hurricanes.
A satellite image of Hurricane Michael, a category 5 hurricane, on 10/10/2018 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NASA
A satellite image of Hurricane Maria, a category 5 hurricane, on 09/19/2017 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NOAA
A satellite image of Hurricane Irma, a category 5 hurricane, on 09/05/2017 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NOAA
A satellite image of Hurricane Felix, a category 5 hurricane, on 09/03/2007 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NASA
A satellite image of Hurricane Dean, a category 5 hurricane, on 08/21/2007 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NOAA
A satellite image of Hurricane Andrew, a category 5 hurricane, on 08/23/1992 near its peak intensity.Photo Credit: NASA
