A Category 4 hurricane has sustained wind speeds of about 130–156 miles per hour (209–251 km/h) on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Quick Scoop: Category 4 Wind Speeds

  • Wind speed (mph): 130–156 mph.
  • Wind speed (km/h): About 209–251 km/h.
  • What “sustained” means: Average wind over 1 minute at about 10 meters (33 ft) above the surface.
  • Damage potential: Catastrophic damage to well‑built homes, many trees and power lines down, and long-lasting power outages are common at this level.

Brief context

Meteorologists use the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to rate hurricanes from Category 1 to 5 based on maximum sustained wind speed. Category 4 is the second‑highest level on this scale and signals an extremely dangerous storm capable of severe, widespread destruction along its path.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.