Hurricanes and Construction

The season at a glance

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. NOAA's National Hurricane Center puts the peak at September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October.

For the 1991 to 2020 period, an average season brought 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. Individual seasons differ considerably from these averages. The Nevis Tourism Authority likewise describes June to November as the rainy, hurricane season.

Atlantic hurricane season

June 1 to November 30

Climatological peak

September 10

Average season, 1991 to 2020

14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes

Reading a hurricane's strength

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricanes from 1 to 5 by maximum sustained wind speed. Category 1 begins at 74 mph, and Category 5 is 157 mph or higher. Categories 3 to 5, from 111 mph, are classed as major hurricanes.

The scale does not account for storm surge, rainfall flooding or tornadoes, which can be dangerous at any category.

What each category means for a home

NOAA describes Category 1 winds of 74 to 95 mph as causing some damage to roofs, siding and gutters on well-built frame homes, with power outages lasting a few to several days. At Category 3, 111 to 129 mph, damage is devastating, and electricity and water may be unavailable for days to weeks.

At Category 4, 130 to 156 mph, damage is catastrophic, with severe loss of roof structure or some exterior walls and outages lasting weeks to months. Category 5, 157 mph or higher, can destroy a high percentage of framed homes. This is why wind design, roof systems and backup services matter when choosing a home in any hurricane-exposed region.

How owners and guests prepare

Ready.gov advises having several ways to receive alerts, decluttering drains and gutters, bringing in outdoor furniture and considering hurricane shutters. Supplies should cover the household, since they may not be available for days or even weeks after a storm.

Keep insurance policies and personal documents up to date, store copies in a secure digital space and photograph any property damage. Keep phones charged, and use text messages rather than calls, since phone systems are often busy.

Construction: what to ask for

Wind design, glazing, roofing, backup power and water systems are specified in a residence's engineering and permit documents rather than in marketing copy. We do not publish those specifications here.

Ask the sales team for the design wind speed, the glazing and shutter specification, the roof system and the arrangements for backup power and water for the residence you are considering. Your own adviser and insurer can review the documents.