Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HURRICANE CATEGORIES
Atlantic hurricanes are ranked by the Saffir-Simpson hurricane intensity scale to
give an estimate of the potential flooding and damage. Category three and above
is considered intense.
Category
Winds (mph)
Damage
One
74-95
Minimal: Damage primarily to shrubbery,
trees and foliage.
Two
96-110
Moderate: Considerable damage to shrub-
bery and foliage; some trees blown down.
Some damage to roofing materials.
Three
111-130
Extensive: Foliage torn from trees; large
trees blown down. Some structural dam-
age to small buildings. Mobile homes de-
stroyed. Flooding along the coastline.
Four
131-155
Extreme: Shrubs and trees blown down.
Complete failure of roofs on small resi-
dences. Major beach erosion. Massive evac-
uation of homes within 500 yards of shore
possibly required. Hurricane Andrew, which
smashed into South Florida in 1992, is an
example of a category four.
Five
155+
Catastrophic: Some complete building fail-
ures. Small buildings overturned or blown
away. Low-lying escape routes inland cut
by rising water three to five hours before
the hurricane's center arrives. Hurricane
Camille, a category five, struck Mississippi
and Louisiana in 1969.
Flora & Fauna
Plant Life
The Cayman Islands are not as lush as neighboring Jamaica, but
still boast a good variety of tropical flora and fauna. Since the is-
lands were relatively isolated for centuries, residents became ex-
pert in the use of native flora for medicinal purposes. Some former uses of
endemic plants include coconut water to relieve kidney problems; mul-
berry and almond leaves applied externally for the treatment of rheuma-
tism; aloe to relieve burns and rashes; and periwinkle as a tea to treat
coughs and diabetes.
