How do meteorologists determine a hurricane's wind speed (mph)?

The SSHS tries to predict how much damage will occur to well-built homes and businesses. So, Cat is an abbreviation for Category and any storm the reaches a Cat 3 is considered major hurricane. At maximum sustained wind speeds over 110 mph, devastating damage and loss of life can occur. read more

Hurricane Irma at its maximum sustained wind speed of 185 mph would equate to a 227 mph three-second-gust wind speed using this conversion method. From a roof anchorage, lateral design and load path design perspective, the difference between 130 mph and 160 mph can be substantial, especially when the building is located on flat open terrain where Exposure C or Exposure D are appropriate assumptions for the design. read more