Hurricane Helene continues to move north in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, heading directly toward the Big Bend region of Florida.

Helene developed from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane with peak winds of 80 mph late Wednesday morning. However, meteorologists warn that the storm is showing signs of rapid intensification and will become a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Thursday, with winds of 110 to 125 mph, which could cause widespread damage.

Hurricanes classified as Category 3, 4, or 5 are all considered major hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale used by the National Hurricane Center.

The scale ranges from 1 to 5 and is based only on the maximum sustained wind speed of a hurricane.

“This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surges, flooding from rainfall and tornadoes,” the Hurricane Center notes.

But it does give the public a clear idea of ​​how much damage the hurricane could cause. Here’s a closer look at the extent:

Hurricane wind scale

Category 1

Sustained wind speed: 74-95 miles per hour

Type of storm damage: Very dangerous winds will cause some damage.

Further details: Well-built frame homes can suffer damage to the roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large tree limbs can break off and trees with shallow roots can fall over. Extensive damage to power lines and poles can cause power outages that can last from a few to several days.

Category 2

Sustained wind speed: 96-110 miles per hour

Type of storm damage: Extremely dangerous winds will cause major damage.

Further details: Well-built half-timbered houses could suffer significant damage to roofs and facades. Many trees with shallow roots will fall over or be uprooted, blocking numerous roads. An almost complete power outage is expected, which could last several days or weeks.

Category 3 (severe hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 111-129 miles per hour

Type of storm damage: There will be devastating damage.

Further details: Well-built timber-framed houses may suffer major damage, or roof sheathing and gable ends may be torn off. Many trees will be knocked over or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Power and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm.

Category 4 (severe hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 130-156 miles per hour

Type of storm damage: There will be catastrophic damage.

Further details: Well-built frame homes may suffer severe damage, with most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls lost. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles knocked down. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas from the outside world. Power outages will last weeks to months. Most areas will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5 (severe hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 252 km/h or more

Type of storm damage: There will be catastrophic damage.

Further details: A high percentage of frame houses will be destroyed, roofs and walls will collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas from the outside world. Power outages will last weeks or possibly months. Most areas will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.