With the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian just around the corner, we’re taking a look some hurricane lingo — particularly, what aspaghetti model is and what the categories really mean.

According to the National Weather Service, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is what’s used to measure how intense a hurricane may be. The scale bases everything on a scale of 1-5 and estimates the catastrophe potential.

Category 1
Expect wind speeds of 74-95 mph, minor damage like removal of roof decking or snapped trees, and possible loss of electricity.
Example: Hurricane Sandy
Category 2
Expect wind speeds of 96-110 mph, extensive damage like uprooted trees, broken windows, and loss of power for days or weeks.
Example: Hurricane Frances
Category 3
Expect wind speeds of 111-129 mph, devastating damage like broken doors and windows, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Wilma
Category 4
Expect wind speeds of 130-156 mph and catastrophic damage like uprooted trees, week or month-long power outages, and damage to even well-built homes.
Example: Hurricane Harvey
Category 5
Expect wind speeds of over 157 mph and unimaginable damage like destroyed homes, fallen trees, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Andrew

Hurricane Spaghetti Models show where tropical systems may go, but do not show where the impacts will occur. When they’re clustered together, forecasters have high confidence they’ll follow a specific “plot-line.”

While Hurricane Ian's path and intensity can shift, current predictions indicate it could hit Florida’s west coast at a Category 4.

Wondering how you can prepare?

Follow Hurricane Ian’s updates online.
Stock your hurricane kit with these essentials.
Sign up for Hillsborough County emergency notifications on HCFL Alert, or Pinellas alerts here.