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 …

The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) is a tropical cyclone intensity scale that classifies hurricanes —which in the Western Hemisphere are tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of …

Apr 4, 2026 · The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale is an index of tropical cyclone intensity that classifies a storm’s wind speed into one of five divisions, or categories. The scale was developed in 1971 to help …

Aug 2, 2023 · Learn about the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale or SSHWS and how it uses wind speed for determining the intensity of hurricanes.

Sep 26, 2025 · What this classification means, some typical damage, and what it doesn't cover.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale 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 …

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Description The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), formerly the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS), classifies hurricanes – Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones with sustained winds …

In 2010, the National Hurricane Center removed storm surge and barometric pressure from the Saffir-Simpson Scale, turning it into the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The scale provides …

Jun 4, 2019 · A Problem with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Because storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf in the landfall region, wind speed is the determining …