SaffirSimpson

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, commonly known as the Saffir-Simpson scale, is a 1- to 5-category system that classifies tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific basins by their sustained wind speeds. It was developed in 1969 by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson and is used by national meteorological services and forecasting centers to convey hurricane intensity. The scale relies on 1-minute sustained winds measured approximately 10 meters above the surface to determine category.

Categories are defined by wind speed ranges: Category 1, 74–95 mph (119–153 km/h); Category 2, 96–110 mph (154–177 km/h); Category 3, 111–129 mph (178–208 km/h); Category 4, 130–156 mph (209–251 km/h); and Category 5, 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher). The scale is intended to give a rough estimate of potential damage and hazard to people and structures, with higher categories generally associated with greater wind damage.

Limitations and use: While the scale communicates wind intensity, it does not directly account for all hazard aspects such as storm surge, rainfall, or the size and forward speed of the cyclone, all of which influence overall impact. Damage outcomes depend on building codes, population exposure, terrain, and surge potential. In practice, forecasters often supplement the scale with surge and rainfall predictions and other risk assessments. The scale has remained a principal tool for public communications about hurricane intensity in its primary basins, though some meteorological agencies use alternative wind conventions for other regions.