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Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images, Videos & Interactives
Illustration of the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, showing five categories ranked by increasing wind speed and damage: Category 1 (74-95 mph) with minor damage, up to Category 5 (157 mph or higher) with near-total destruction. Each category is color-coded and includes simple images of houses and trees showing escalating storm damage.
Satellite view of two swirling storms over the ocean with a blue Hello my name is ??? name tag superimposed.
Satellite image of a large hurricane with a defined eye over the Gulf of Mexico, approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Hurricane Strength Calculator with wind speed set to 90 mph, showing Category 1: 74-95 mph winds can damage roofs, trees, and power lines.
Satellite image showing three labeled hurricanes—Florence, Isaac, and Helene—across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2018.

Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • John P. Rafferty
    John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to the natural world.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: PNAS - The growing inadequacy of an open-ended Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale in a warming world. Sep 11, 2026
Hurricane strength calculator added. Aug 01, 2025
Illustration added. Jul 17, 2025
Media added. Jul 08, 2025
Add new Web site: National Institute of Standards and Technology - Relation between Saffir�Simpson Hurricane Scale Wind Speeds and Peak 3-s Gust Speeds over Open Terrain (PDF). Apr 10, 2025
Add new Web site: NOAA National Hurricane Center - The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (PDF). Mar 01, 2025
Add new Web site: Wallingford Town Hall - The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (PDF). Jan 02, 2025
Add new Web site: PNAS - The growing inadequacy of an open-ended Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale in a warming world. Sep 27, 2024
New article added. Jul 19, 2024
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