Wx_Warrior wrote:From the post above by Ed M...
"Following NHC, adding a Saffir Simpson category as a safety factor, a strong tropical storm, plan for a high end Cat 1/borderline Cat 2 to be on the safe side."
I think that's a fair technique to ensure personal safety.
Wind gusts, poor drainage, areas of debris, and large trees greatly amplify the destructiveness of storms. But none of those factors matter when it comes to designating a storm...