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Kelly Wilson: 'We never say it's just a Category 1' as she urges attention to storm surge risks
Summary
St. Johns County deputy emergency manager Kelly Wilson explains limitations of the Saffir Simpson wind scale and stresses that storm surge and flooding often cause the greatest harm, citing recent storms as examples.
Kelly Wilson, deputy director of emergency management for St. Johns County, told listeners that the familiar Category 1 Saffir Simpson label measures wind but not water, and that water-related impacts remain the leading danger in many storms. "We never say it's just a category 1 because it's never just a category 1 because remember, it didn't include the water," she said.
Wilson outlined the wind thresholds commonly cited on the Saffir Simpson scale (Category 1 beginning around 74 mph; Category 5 at 157 mph and above) while warning these numbers can give a false sense of safety. She emphasized the role of storm track and angle of approach, and urged residents to treat lower-category storms seriously when water or surge is possible.
