Hurricane Helene continues to move northward in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, carving a path directly toward Florida’s Big Bend region.

Helene strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday morning, with sustained winds of 80 mph. But meteorologists warn that the storm shows signs of rapidly intensifying into a powerful Category 3 hurricane on Thursday, with winds as high as 110 to 125 mph and could cause widespread damage.

Hurricanes classified as Category 3, 4, or 5 are all considered major hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is used by the National Hurricane Center.

The scale ranges from 1 to 5 and is based solely on the maximum sustained wind speed of a hurricane.

“This scale does not account for other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surges, rainfall-related flooding and tornadoes,” the hurricane center said.

But it does give the public a good idea of ​​how much damage the hurricane can do. Here’s a closer look at the scale:

Hurricane Wind Scale

Category 1

Sustained wind speed: 120-153 km/h

Type of wind damage: Very dangerous winds can cause damage.

More details: Well-built frame homes may have damage to the roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large tree limbs may snap and trees with shallow roots may fall. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last from a few to several days.

Category 2

Sustained wind speed: 96-110 mph

Type of wind damage: Extremely dangerous winds can cause extensive damage.

More details: Well-built frame homes could sustain extensive roof and siding damage. Many shallow-rooted trees will be broken or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected, with outages lasting several days to weeks.

Category 3 (major hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 111-129 mph

Type of wind damage: There will be enormous damage.

More details: Well-built frame homes may sustain extensive damage or have roofing and gables removed. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Category 4 (major hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 130-156 mph

Type of wind damage: Catastrophic damage will occur.

More details: Well-built frame homes may sustain severe damage, with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles will be downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks or possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5 (major hurricane)

Sustained wind speed: 157 mph or higher

Type of wind damage: Catastrophic damage will occur.

More details: A high percentage of frame homes will be destroyed, with an entire roof collapsing and a wall collapsing. Downed trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks or possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.