The 2011 Hurricane season is upon us, it runs from June 1st.. through November. The forecast for the Atlantic and Gulf coast is well above-average activity for the 2011 hurricane season. They are predicting 16 Named Storms, 9 Hurricanes and 5 Major Hurricanes. The states most likely to be affected are Florida, Texas, Louisiana and N. Carolina in that order.

Hurricanes are measured by the Saffir-Simpson wind scale and are rated by categories depending on their wind speed. A Hurricane starts out being a tropical depression, but once the wind speed hits 74 Mph it becomes a Hurricane. Below is a chart showing the different category classifications and wind speeds, The stronger the Hurricane , the lower the Barometric Pressure.

• Cat-1: Minimum wind speed-74 Mph

• Cat-2: Minimum wind speed-96 Mph

• Cat-3: Minimum wind speed-111 Mph

• Cat-4: Minimum wind speed-131 Mph

• Cat-5: Minimum wind speed-155 Mph

Below are some of the effects that are associated with the different category hurricanes!

A Category-1 Hurricane with wind speeds of 74-95 mph will produce damage to mobil homes, homes that are not constructed well, trees, people, livestock and power lines. Even though this is the smallest category hurricane it can produce deadly results. Do not take any storm lightly!

A Category-2 Hurricane with wind speeds of 96-110 mph will produce damage to all of the above plus there will be substantial roof damage, more tree damage and you will probably lose power for sure.

A Category-3 Hurricane with wind speeds of 111-130 mph will produce damage to all of the above plus major damage to homes, many trees will be uprooted and will block roads. The power will be out for an extended period of time and there will be a major water surge along the coast line. You can expect damage from this size storm to reach many miles inland. Hurricane Katrina was a strong Cat.3 with winds of 125 mph when it made land fall. Trees and roofs received major damage several hundred miles inland.

A Category-4 Hurricane with wind speeds of 131-155 mph will produce all of the above, trees will be down every where and they will take the power lines with them. You will be out of power and water for at least several weeks and your home if still standing will probably be uninhabitable.

A Category-5 Hurricane will have winds in excess of 155 mph, this size storm will produce catastrophic results. As if the hurricanes weren't enough, there are numerous tornadoes associated with these storms.

All storms should be taken seriously, do not try to weather the storm, Mother Nature will win. Board up your windows, have plenty of drinking water and some food. Fill your gas tank several days before the storm hits so you will not be without fuel and head inland so you will be safe. Material things can be replaced, but human lives can not!