Hurricane Helene Category Level

Hurricane Helene Underway

Hurricane Strength Level

Hurricane Helene was categorized at a level one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale measures a hurricane's strength on a level one to five basis, with one being the weakest and five being the strongest.

Sustained winds in the hurricane's strongest quadrant reached speeds of 85 miles per hour.

The hurricane strengthened quickly over warm ocean water temperatures that provided favorable conditions for strengthening and growth.