Saffir–Simpson scale - Wikipedia
The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) classifies hurricanes—which in the Western Hemisphere are tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms—into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds.
Hurricane Categories: What Categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Mean - TIME
Sep 19, 2017 · Hurricane categories can show how strong a storm like Maria, Katrina or Matthew is on a scale of 1-5. But some say there should be a 6. Here's what hurricane categories tell you about a...
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale - National Hurricane Center
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates potential property damage. While all hurricanes produce life-threatening winds, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are known as major hurricanes*.
What makes a storm a hurricane, what do the categories mean
Oct 8, 2024 · Category 1 hurricanes range from 74 to 95 mph and can bring very dangerous winds that can damage even sturdy houses. Category 1 is the weakest hurricane, and the storms strengthen up the scale from there. If a hurricane is Category 3 or …
Tropical cyclone scales - Wikipedia
Only a few classifications are used officially by the meteorological agencies monitoring the tropical cyclones, but other scales also exist, such as accumulated cyclone energy, the Power Dissipation Index, the Integrated Kinetic Energy Index, and the Hurricane Severity Index.
Hurricane categories explained: How strong is each category?
Sep 7, 2023 · But how intense is a Category 5 hurricane, and what do the different categories mean for people in the storm's path?
Here’s what the hurricane categories mean - CNN
Aug 29, 2023 · Knowing about each category can help predict what damage an incoming storm may inflict – and how best to prepare. The categories are defined by wind speed, with a storm of Category 3, 4, or...
Tropical Cyclone Classification | National Oceanic and …
Oct 19, 2023 · Tropical Cyclone Classification. Tropical cyclones with an organized system of clouds, and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (61 km/h) or less, are called "tropical depressions". Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 39 mph (63 km/h), they are typically called a "tropical storm" and ...
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale - U.S. National Park Service
Jun 4, 2019 · The scale has five categories, increasing in intensity from 1 to 5. Initially, Saffir and Simpson created the scale based solely on wind speed. Later, Simpson added storm-surge levels. Low atmospheric pressure is also associated with hurricanes.
What Do Hurricane Categories Mean? - The New York Times
Jun 29, 2022 · The five categories of the storm are related to their wind speed, but they also give us insight into their potential for damage.