The Saffir-Simpson Scale explained: How hurricanes are categorized

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, so far, has had 13 named storms, six of which made landfall. This season has brought significant impacts and has broken records. One record in particular that was broken this season was Hurricane Beryl – the earliest Category 5 storm on record in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane Beryl caused catastrophic damage to a multitude of states, and we even felt the remnants of Beryl here in Western New York. The hurricane season will end Nov. 30, which means we have a little under two months left to go.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a one to five rating based only on a hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. It’s important to remember that this scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storming, rainfall flooding and tornadoes. This scale was created by Herbert Saffir, a civil engineer from Florida, and Dr. Robert Simpson, who was the director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) from 1967 to 1974.

The scale was created to categorize hurricanes by the types of damage created at different sustained wind speeds. Saffir initially developed the scale in 1969 and expanded it before publishing it under the Saffir-Simpson name in 1973. The scale has been used by the NHC ever since.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale estimates potential property damage. While all hurricanes can produce life-threatening winds, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are known as major hurricanes. Major hurricanes can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life simply due to the strength of its 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 prone to storm surge.

Category 1 Hurricane

The sustained wind speed for a Category 1 hurricane is between 74 and 95 mph. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to the roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may topple. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

Category 2 Hurricane

The sustained wind speed for a Category 2 hurricane is between 96 and 110 mph. Extreme winds will cause extensive damage. Well-constructed 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.

Category 3 (Major) Hurricane

The sustained wind speed for a Category 3 hurricane is between 111 and 129 mph. Devastating damage will occur with these strong winds. Well-built 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.

Category 4 (Major) Hurricane

The sustained wind speed for a Category 4 hurricane is between 130 and 156 mph. Catastrophic damage will likely occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and poles will be downed. Fallen trees and power will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will also be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Category 5 (Major) Hurricane

The sustained wind speed for a Category 5 hurricane is 157 mph or higher. Catastrophic damage is expected with these winds. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and downed power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will also be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

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