What scale is used to measure hurricanes?

The name of the scale used to measure hurricanes is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Bob Simpson developed the scale in 1971. It is only used for hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and northern Pacific Ocean. read more

Category One Hurricane: Winds 74-95 mph. Category Two Hurricane: Winds 96-110 mph. Category Three Hurricane: Winds 111-130 mph. Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph. Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph. Source: National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. read more

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. This hurricane scale is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. read more