Hurricanes are rated on this scale based on the following factors: wind speed, storm surge and damage potential. There are five categories of hurricanes that make up the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale.

A storm surge is water that is pushed onto shore by ... in the background (note the 25 ft [7.65 m] long survey rod for scale). Right: Massive beach and over wash erosion illustrated by damaged ...

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring with it flooding caused by the storm surge that comes as the cyclone approaches the coast, significant ...

Storm surge forecasts along the central western coast ... making it a strong Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson ...

However it's important to note that the Saffir-Simpson Scale only estimates damage from wind, and doesn't take into account other hazards such as storm surge, flooding rain, lightning or tornadoes ...

a Category 3 hurricane will inflict “major damage” on “well-built framed homes,” according to the scale, which does not take into account other potential hazards such as storm surge ...

where storm surge claimed thousands of lives). Flash flooding will occur in creeks, streams and urban areas within hours of torrential rain. These floods can reach heights of 30 feet or more.