A hurricane or typhoon is a low pressure storm that forms in the tropics and may be accompanied by thunderstorms and severe winds. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winds circulate in a counterclockwise direction. The difference between the storms is due solely to where they are located: In the Atlantic they are hurricanes, in the Pacific they are typhoons.

The characteristics of the storms are the same, however, as they both produce severe winds and rain that can cause extensive damage. Typhoons are more common due to the larger area of warm tropical water and other atmospheric patterns. Generally, if conditions in the West are good for typhoons conditions in the East are not good for hurricanes, and vice versa.

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Scales for typhoons and hurricanes differ

Typhoons and hurricanes are measured using different scales. The Saffir-Simpson scale, shown here, is used for hurricanes.

The scale used for typhoons, shown here, was developed by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the China Meteorological Administration and the Hong Kong Observatory.

There are other scales used in the Indian Ocean, South-Western Indian Ocean and waters surrounding Australia and Fiji, but they are relatively similar across territories with minor variations.

(Photo: R. L. Donlon, PropertyCasualty360.com)

Category 1

In general the stronger the hurricane the more damage that it causes, but that's not always the case. A weaker hurricane may cause more damage in a populated area than a stronger hurricane causes in a less populated, open area. The more construction there is, the more likely there will be damage.

With a category 1 hurricane the storm surge is around 45 feet. Storm surge is an increase in the ocean's level, and can be in excess of several feet. It's often the most damaging feature of a hurricane, especially when it occurs during high tide in low-lying areas. Storm surge is often responsible for most hurricane deaths because people can't escape the rising water. A category 1 hurricane causes some damage to trees and shrubbery, and unanchored mobile homes.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was at different times a category 1 hurricane and a category 3. It caused severe flooding due to the low-lying areas it inundated. Hurricane Agnes in 1972 was category 1, and it caused $11 billion in damages.

Category 2

Category 2 hurricanes have storm surges between 68 feet. A category 2 hurricane will cause major damage to mobile homes, damage buildings' roofs, and blow trees down. Blowing trees will cause damage to property as they fall onto houses or get blown through windows. Coastal roads and low escape routes will flood 24 hours before the storm. Two feet of water can float most cars, even sport utility vehicles. Six inches of rapidly moving water can knock people off their feet.

Hurricane David in 1979 was a category 2 hurricane and caused $320 million in damage.

(Photo: R. L. Donlon, PropertyCasualty360.com)

Category 3

Category 3 hurricanes have storm surges of 912 feet, destroy mobile homes, down large trees and damage small buildings, especially those with a standard ceiling height of eight feet or with suspended ceilings, which are generally seven-and-a-half feet.

Category 3 storms generally cause serious flooding at the coast, and waves and debris can damage large and destroy small structures. Roads are often cut off 35 hours before the storm, and flat terrain less than five feet above sea level can be flooded inland for eight miles or more. Piers and marinas are likely to be damaged and flooded. Low-lying island and shoreline residents may be required to evacuate.

Hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne in 2004, and Katrina, Wilma and Dennis in 2005 were category 3 hurricanes. Jeanne caused $8 billion, Wilma $20 billion, Ivan $19 billion and Dennis $25 billion in damages. Katrina was the costliest hurricane on record at $105 billion.

Related: How the insurance industry prepares for hurricanes

Category 4

Category 4 hurricanes have storm surges of 1318 feet and can completely destroy mobile homes, while the lower floors of structures near the shore are susceptible to flooding. Trees and all signs are generally blown down, and structural damage often is severe, with a complete failure of some roofs. Flat terrain less than 10 feet above sea level can be flooded up to six miles inland. Major beach erosion is likely to occur, and all residences within 500 yards as well as single-story homes on low ground within two miles will be evacuated. As with a category 3 hurricane, roads will be cut off 35 hours before the storm. A storm surge going through a beach house can easily fill the first floor with water.

Hurricane Charley in 2004 was a category 4 hurricane, as was Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hazel in 1954. Charley caused $15 billion and Hugo $9 billion in damages.

(Photo: R. L. Donlon, PropertyCasualty360.com)

Category 5

Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest, and the storm surges can reach 18 feet or higher. A category 5 hurricane will cause extensive damage to homes and industrial buildings, blow away small. buildings, and significantly damage the lower floors of structures within 500 meters of shore and less than 15 feet above sea level. Major erosion will occur, evacuation will take place within 5-10 miles of the shore. Roads again will be cut off 3-5 hours before the storm, and major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of shore will take place.

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 is the only Category 5 storm is on record, and it caused $45 billion in damage

Stronger than you think

Many people underestimate the strength and power of hurricanes, and don't realize the amount of damage even a small storm can cause. Another factor in the amount of damage that may be sustained is how well the buildings and grounds maintained are. Trees with dead limbs break apart easily and can damage nearby structures, and older roofs are more susceptible to having shingles blown off and other damage. However even the most well-built, well-maintained building is likely to be damaged in a category 5 hurricane.

Already there are more than 300 dead from Hurricane Matthew's pass through Haiti, the Bahamas and Cuba, and more are expected as rescue efforts in those areas continue. The United States evacuated millions of people away from the coast, but the storm is still on track to move up from Florida through Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina before possibly circling back on itself to hit Florida again early next week.

Related: Here are the 10 most expensive hurricanes in U.S. history (through 2014)