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Tropical Weather» Saffir_simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
All hurricanes are dangerous, but some are more so than others. The combination of storm surge,
wind, and other factors determine the hurricane's total destructive power. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency
officials. The scale is assigned five categories with Category 1 assigned to a minimal hurricane and Category
5 to a worst case scenario. Categories 3 to 5 are defined as major hurricanes. The criteria for each
category are shown below. The National Hurricane Center
has additional information on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale, and there is a request for feedback on the scale.
| CATEGORY |
WINDS (MPH) |
DAMAGE |
STORM EXAMPLE AND YEAR |
| 1 |
74-95 |
Minimal: Damage to building structures possible,
primarily to unanchored older model mobile homes.
Damage to poorly constructed signs, shrubbery, and
trees. Loose outdoor items become projectiles.
Numerous power outages. |
HUMBERTO 2007 |
| 2 |
96 - 110 |
Widespread from very strong winds: Some roofing
material, door, and window damage to buildings.
Considerable damage to trees, vegetation, mobile homes,
and piers. A number of high rise building glass windows
dislodged to become projectiles. Widespread power
outages up to several days. |
IKE 2008 |
| 3 |
111 - 130 |
Extensive from dangerous winds: Some structural
damage to small residences and utility buildings with minor
amount of wall failures. Mobile homes destroyed. Many
trees uprooted or snapped. Power outages lasting several
days or weeks. |
ALICIA 1983 |
| 4 |
131 - 155 |
Devastating from extremely dangerous winds: Some wall
failures with complete house roof structure failures. Extensive
damage to doors, windows, and trees. Electricity unavailable for
weeks. |
CARLA 1961 |
| 5 |
>155 |
Catastrophic: Complete roof failure on many residences
and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with
small buildings blown over or away. Power outages for weeks
or months. |
ANDREW 1992 |
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