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Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale
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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.
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Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale: Media

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Videos

How Are Hurricanes and Typhoons Named?
During World War II, U.S. Navy and Army meteorologists began using their wives' and...
Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; thumbnail © NOAA, LAYER-LAB/Adobe Stock
What Is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is essentially a large tropical storm. 
Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
How Do Hurricanes Form?
We have questions about hurricane season. Britannica editor John Rafferty has answers.
Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Images

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
First adopted in 1975, the scale is used to classify tropical cyclones occurring...
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Interactives

Hurricane strength calculator
Input wind speed to determine the hurricane category in the Saffir-Simpson scale,...
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.