Saffir simpson wind scale

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 saffir simpson wind scale 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.

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 U. National Hurricane Center classifies hurricanes of Category 3 and above as major hurricanes, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center JTWS classifies typhoons of mph or greater strong Category 4 and Category 5 as super typhoons although all tropical cyclones can be very dangerous. 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 By contrast, the U.

Saffir simpson wind scale

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. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Frances of was a Category Two when it hit just north of Palm Beach County, along with at least 10 other hurricanes which have struck South Florida since Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. Unnamed hurricanes of , , , , , and were all Category 3 storms when they struck South Florida, as were King of , Betsy of , Jeanne of , and Irma of Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed.

Manufactured homes usually sustain severe and irreparable damage.

All hurricanes are dangerous, but some are more so than others. The combination of storm surge, wind, and other factors determine the hurricane's total destructive power. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency officials. The scale is assigned five categories with Category 1 assigned to a minimal hurricane and Category 5 to a worst case scenario. Categories 3 to 5 are defined as major hurricanes. The criteria for each category are shown below.

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.

Saffir simpson wind scale

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.

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Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required if the hurricane threatens populated areas. Extensive damage to doors, windows, and trees. Mobile homes destroyed. Manufactured homes usually sustain severe and irreparable damage. Bibcode : BAMS Category 4 hurricanes tend to produce more extensive curtainwall failures, with some complete structural failure on small residences. 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 Proposed replacement classifications include the Hurricane Intensity Index, which is based on the dynamic pressure caused by a storm's winds, and the Hurricane Hazard Index, which is based on surface wind speeds, the radius of maximum winds of the storm, and its translational velocity. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Category Two: Wind speeds between — kilometers per hour 96— mph Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Category three, four, and five hurricanes are major hurricanes and cause the most damage in the U.

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.

Mirroring the utility of the Richter magnitude scale for describing earthquakes, he devised a 1—5 scale based on wind speed that showed expected damage to structures. Download as PDF Printable version. Past Weather Tropical Cyclone Reports. Lidia at its Mexican landfall. National Hurricane Center. Frances of was a Category Two when it hit just north of Palm Beach County, along with at least 10 other hurricanes which have struck South Florida since Bibcode : BAMS Hurricane Otis nearing its landfall in October in Guerrero. The criteria for each category are shown below. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a rating system that classifies hurricanes based on their sustained wind speed. Retrieved September 20, Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact, and only if located at least 3 to 5 miles 5 to 8 km inland. Accessed July 3,