Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 km/hr). Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required. Hurricane Mitch of 1998 was a Category Five hurricane at peak intensity over the western Caribbean. Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 was a Category Five hurricane at peak intensity and is one of the strongest Atlantic tropical cyclones of record.
From US Navy Mayport, Florida
Category Four: Winds 131 to 155 mph. Shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. Complete failure of roofs on many small residences. Storm Surge 13' to 17' above normal tide levels. Flat terrain 2 feet or less above sea level flooded up to 6 miles inland. Major damage to lower floors of structures near shore due to flooding and battering of waves and debris. Low lyin9 escape routes inland cut by rising water 11 to 12 hours prior to hurricane center arrival.
Category Five: Winds grater than 155 mph. Damage as above plus complete failure of roofs on may residential and industrial buildings. Extensive shattering of window and door glass. Many complete building failures and small buildings overturned or blown away. Storm Surge grater than 18' above normal tidal levels. Low lying escape routes inland cut by rising water 12 to 13 hours before hurricane center arrival. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low grounds within 5 to 10 miles of shore possibly required.
From Accuweather.com
Category 5 storms, with winds greater than 155 miles per hour, are very rare. These monsters can have storm surges of over 20 feet. Only 1 such hurricane has hit the U.S. this century - Camille in 1969.
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