While a hurricane may be an impressive sight from outer space, it can be a devastating event for those in its path on the ground.
When these storms are defined as being a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS), they are considered a major hurricane or tropical cyclone. When we hear major storm system names like Sandy, Wilma or Andrew—and now Harvey and Irma— we’re reminded of the destruction these types of storm systems can inflict upon everything in their paths.