Saffir-Simpson Scale: Tracking Hurricane Strength
• The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (minor damage) to Category 5 (catastrophic destruction) based on wind speed.
• The scale doesn't account for storm surge, heavy rain, or tornadoes, which are also significant hurricane hazards.
• Damage varies with shoreline shape and can extend far from the storm's center, highlighting the scale's limitations.
Scale categorizes hurricanes by sustained wind speeds
The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a vital tool for understanding and communicating the potential impact of hurricanes. This scale categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds, providing a general indication of the structural damage they can cause. The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5, each representing an increase in wind speed and destructive potential.
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