SaffirSimpsonin

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a tool used to categorize the intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific basins. It is based on the sustained wind speed of the storm and ranges from Category 1 to Category 5. Category 1 storms have sustained winds of 74-95 miles per hour (119-153 kilometers per hour), while Category 5 storms have winds of 157 miles per hour (252 kilometers per hour) or higher.

The scale was developed by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson. Simpson, as director of the National Hurricane Center, was instrumental in its adoption and popularization. The scale is designed to provide a common measure of hurricane potential to effectively communicate the threat of a hurricane's winds to the public and emergency officials.

It is important to note that the Saffir-Simpson Scale only addresses wind speed and does not directly account for other hurricane hazards such as storm surge, heavy rainfall, or flooding. These other factors can cause significant damage and loss of life, even with weaker wind categories. Therefore, while the scale is a valuable indicator of wind intensity, a comprehensive understanding of all potential threats posed by a hurricane is crucial for preparedness and safety. The scale is updated and refined as new data and research become available.