Saffir simpson wind scale

The scale was developed in by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, who at the time was director of the U. The scale separates hurricanes into five different categories based on wind.

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. The classifications can provide some indication of the potential damage and flooding a hurricane will cause upon landfall. The Saffir—Simpson hurricane wind scale is based on the highest wind speed averaged over a one-minute interval 10 m above the surface. Although the scale shows wind speeds in continuous speed ranges, the US National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center assign tropical cyclone intensities in 5-knot kn increments e. The Saffir—Simpson hurricane wind scale is used officially only to describe hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and northern Pacific Ocean east of the International Date Line. Other areas use different scales to label these storms, which are called cyclones or typhoons , depending on the area. There have also been proposals for the addition of higher categories to the scale which would then set a maximum cutoff for Category 5 , but none have been adopted as of March [update].

Saffir simpson wind scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes. Major hurricanes can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life simply due to the strength of their winds. Hurricanes of all categories can produce deadly storm surge, rain-induced floods, and tornadoes. These hazards require people to take protective action, including evacuating from areas vulnerable to storm surge. Disclaimer Information Quality Help Glossary. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Be Prepared! Pacific Current Season Summary C. Your browser does not support the video tag. Quick Links and Additional Resources. Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.

The five categories are described in the following subsections, in order of increasing intensity.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term "super typhoon" is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding mph. Note that all winds are using the U. Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating system that classifies hurricanes based on their sustained wind speed. Earth Science, Climatology, Meteorology. A home in Fort Lauderdale experiences strong winds and flooding from Hurricane Irma. South Florida felt some of the force from Hurricane Irma but it was not devastated in the same way as the Caribbean Islands. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone. Tropical cyclones are strong, rotating storms that begin over tropical oceans and bring strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones in the northwest Pacific Ocean are called typhoons. This includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

Saffir simpson wind scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes. Major hurricanes can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life simply due to the strength of their winds.

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Utilities such as electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. Small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their moorings. Safety knowledge contributed by:. Total and long-lived electrical and water losses are to be expected, possibly for many weeks. Category 4 hurricanes tend to produce more extensive curtainwall failures, with some complete structural failure on small residences. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Tools Tools. Customize Your Weather. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. South Florida felt some of the force from Hurricane Irma but it was not devastated in the same way as the Caribbean Islands.

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. The classifications can provide some indication of the potential damage and flooding a hurricane will cause upon landfall. The Saffir—Simpson hurricane wind scale is based on the highest wind speed averaged over a one-minute interval 10 m above the surface.

Retrieved September 16, Widespread power outages up to several days. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Location Help. Extensive to near-total power outages and scattered loss of potable water are likely, possibly lasting many days. Most weather agencies use the definition for sustained winds recommended by the World Meteorological Organization WMO , which specifies measuring winds at a height of 33 ft Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. Virtually all trees are uprooted or snapped and some may be debarked, isolating most affected communities. Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.