Hurricanes are rated on this scale based on the following factors: wind speed, storm surge and damage potential. There are five categories of hurricanes that make up the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale.

Between 7-9 of those storms could become Category 1 or greater and between ... called for up to 14 named storm impacts, up to 8 hurricane impacts and up to 5 major hurricane impacts.

Nov. 8. Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it approaches the coast of western Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center. Rafael was located about 85 miles south of ...