The Deadliest Category 5 Storms That Shook the Tropics
• Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest storms in the Atlantic, with winds of 157 mph or higher.
• Most Category 5 hurricanes peak in September but rarely maintain top intensity for long.
• Only a few Category 5 hurricanes have made U.S. landfall, highlighting the need for preparedness.
Understanding Category 5 hurricanes and their impact
Category 5 hurricanes represent the highest level of storm intensity in the Atlantic, with winds of 157 mph or higher. These storms can cause catastrophic damage to coastal areas. Hurricane Erin, which reached Category 5 status on August 16, 2025, north of the Virgin Islands, joins a list of intense storms like Beryl, Milton, Lee, Ian, Dorian, Lorenzo, Michael, Maria, Irma, and Matthew.
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