| Category | Wind Speed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 74–95 mph (119–153 km/h) | Some damage to roofing, siding, and trees. Power outages likely. |
| Category 2 | 96–110 mph (154–177 km/h) | Extensive roof and siding damage. Widespread power loss expected. |
| Category 3 (Major) | 111–129 mph (178–208 km/h) | Devastating damage. Many trees down. Water and power out for days to weeks. |
| Category 4 (Major) | 130–156 mph (209–251 km/h) | Catastrophic damage. Most trees and power poles down. Long outages likely. |
| Category 5 (Major) | 157+ mph (252+ km/h) | Catastrophic. Homes destroyed. Area may be uninhabitable for weeks or months. |
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane 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 150 mph.
Understanding the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale can help you, your community and, emergency planners better prepare for the impacts of tropical cyclones.. Keep in mind that wind speed is just one factor storm surge, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding can be just as dangerous, this wind scale offers a helpful a framework for anticipating structure damage and taking necessary precautions. Regardless of category, all hurricanes have the potential to disrupt lives and property. Staying informed, having an emergency plan in place before a storm threatens, and following official warnings can make all the difference.
This entry was posted in Basic Meteorology, Weather Articles and tagged Cyclone, hurricanes, Saffir-Simpson, Tropical, tropical cyclone, typhoon, wind, Wind Scale. Bookmark the permalink.
Read More
Oklahoma Severe Thunderstorms: SPC Enhanced Risk for Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Enid on November 2, 2026
Oklahoma severe thunderstorms are the headline threat on Monday, November 2, 2026, after the NOAA Storm Prediction Center placed north-central Oklahoma and south-central Kansas under an Enhanced Risk, the third of five severe categories (level 3…
iNWS Decommissioned: How Emergency Managers Can Keep NWS Alerts Coming
With iNWS decommissioned as of October 22, 2026, emergency managers, county agencies and media partners lost the website that managed their NWS text and email alerts. The National Weather Service took the site down effective immediately,…
Arizona Severe Thunderstorms: SPC Enhanced Risk for Flagstaff and Prescott on October 21, 2026
Arizona severe thunderstorms are the headline threat in the NOAA Storm Prediction Center's updated Day 1 Convective Outlook for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, issued 12:30 UTC (5:30 am MST / 8:30 am EDT). The outlook places…

