Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Hurricane Weather
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane's intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. The following table shows the scale broken down by winds:
| Category | Wind Speed (mph) | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74 - 95 | Very dangerous winds will produce some damage |
| 2 | 96 - 110 | Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage |
| 3 | 111 - 129 | Devastating damage will occur |
| 4 | 130 - 156 | Catastrophic damage will occur |
| 5 | > 156 | Catastrophic damage will occur |
A detailed description of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is available at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php.
- — Glossary of National Hurricane Center Terms retrieved 2014-05-26