Make others do a doubletake about the differences in wind speed in hurricane classification with these scientific scale gifts. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale at the time, simpson was working as the head of the national hurricane center nhc. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricanes sustained wind speed. Sep 07, 2012 the saffir simpson hurricane scale with categories from 15 has been stripped down to indicate wind speed only. The scale originally developed by wind engineer herb saffir and meteorologist bob simpson has been an excellent tool for alerting the public about the possible impacts of various intensity hurricanes1. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on.
Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency officials. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale category 1 74 to 95 category 2 96 to 110 category 3 111 to 129 category 4 to 156 category 5 157 and over hurricane watch. Moving beyond the limitations of hurricane categories and. Sustained winds of 70 miles per hour 115 km per hour lashed the florida peninsula, and rainfall totals of 5 inches cm were reported in some areas. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale explained video. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale wind scale stationery. Stronger storms mean new category six scale may be. May 30, 20 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale. Weather terms hurricane map saffirsimpson scale 2016 atlantic hurricane names emergency contact numbers emergency preparedness information windmph damage 1 7495 minimal 2 96110moderate 3 111129extensive 4 156extreme 5 157 and up. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is the standard used to measure hurricane intensity, and this year, the national oceanic and atmospheric administration noaa is making a modification of the scale. Nasa noaa announces modification to hurricane scale.
I also created an organizer, the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale organizer to guide the students through the simulation. Meteorologists and weather fans will enjoy any of these educational gifts featuring the saffirsimpson hurricane scale. Sustained winds of 7495 mph, 6482 kt, or 119153 kmhr. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale sshws, formerly the saffirsimpson hurricane scale sshs, classifies hurricanes western hemisphere tropical. Saffirsimpson scale article about saffirsimpson scale by. Pdf a postlandfall hurricane classification system for the united. This scale is commonly referred to as the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws. Saffirsimpson hurricane category chart and information. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale wind scale stationery no need to be a fan of hurricanes to understand the difference between a category 1 hurricane and a category 3 hurricane. They used the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale as their guide.
The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is what most folks follow in the days and hours before a storm makes landfall. An earlier version called the saffir simpson hurricane scale took into account storm surges, central pressure, and wind speeds when determining damage. In 2009, the nhc made moves to eliminate pressure and storm surge ranges from the categories, transforming it into a pure wind scale, called the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale experimental sshws. Damage is limited to foliage, signage, unanchored boats and mobile homes. This scale is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. It is named after herbert saffir, a consulting engineer in coral gables, florida, and robert simpson, who was director of the national hurricane center from 1967 through 1973. I know that this made a difference and helped them better understand what happens during each hurricane wind category. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale sshs, or the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale sshws, classifies hurricanes western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. The scale is assigned to a hurricane based on its peak wind. The scale is based on measurements of sustained wind speed. The saffir simpson hurricane scale is primarily used in north america, and refers to north pacific and atlantic hurricanes. Each intensity category specifies the range of conditions of four criteria.
The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale was developed in 1971 by herbert saffir a civil engineer and robert simpson a meteorologist. The saffir simpson hurricane scale is used only to describe hurricanes that form in the atlantic ocean and northern pacific ocean, to the east of the international date line. Wherever it lands is going to look like it got hit. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale extended table pdf. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale definition and meaning. The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale contains 5 categories of wind speeds.
The saffir simpson hurricane scale is a 15 rating based on the hurricane s present intensity. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale explained video our. Stronger storms mean new category six scale may be needed. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale article about saffir. The recently updated saffirsimpson scale engineering express. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale from one to five based on the. The problem with the saffirsimpson scale is that it doesnt account for the size of a hurricane how far its damaging winds extend.
The scale is assigned five categories with category 1 assigned to a minimal hurricane and category 5 to a worst case scenario. Its been 45 years since the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale was unveiled, and the names of the monster storms it classifies are still referenced today camille, andrew, hugo, mitch. All of the scales rank tropical cyclones using their maximum sustained winds, which are either. The saffirsimpson scale is useful for evaluating maximum sustained hurricane winds and storm surge over open water in the prelandfall window, but it fails to. The main threat to life and property may be flooding from heavy rains. How noaas saffirsimpson wind scale classifies hurricanes.
Comparison between the australian tropical cyclone. Dividing storms into categories based on wind speeds affects whether the majority of people leave or stay during a hurricane evacuation. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws hurricane matthew. First developed in the late 1960s by herbert saffir, a structural engineer, to quantity potential damage from hurricane winds, the scale was expanded in the early 1970s by robert.
This scale is commonly referred to as the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale sshws. Videographic explaining the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale used to rate the strength and destructive power of a hurricane. Moving beyond the limitations of hurricane categories and the. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale is a 15 rating based on the hurricanes present intensity. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale currently runs in severity from. Saffir gave the scale to the nhc, and simpson added the effects of storm surge and flooding. The saffir simpson hurricane damage intensity scale, in addition to the. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale is a rubric which rates hurricanes between one and five, depending on their intensity. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricanes intensity at the indicated time.
Saffirsimpson scale article about saffirsimpson scale. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the. The categories into which the scale separates hurricanes are noted by the strength of their maximum sustained wind speeds. The 2005 hurricane season set many new records, including the most named storms 26.
Since then, it has undergone various modifications. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale provides information on wind impacts only and does not provide commentary or information on the other impacts or characteristics associated with tropical cyclones. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale showing 158 of 58 messages. One piece of information youll hear about repeatedly while studying hurricanes is the saffirsimpson scale of cyclone intensity. The original saffirsimpson hurricane damagepotential scale is a hurricane force scale using the numbers 15 to rate a hurricanes intensity. The scale used for a particular tropical cyclone depends on what basin the system is located in. Mann said reevaluating the scale or adding a category six would have implications for the preparedness of communities. The scale analyzes a hurricane s wind speed and assigns it a 1. Hurricane intensity is measured using the saffirsimpson damage potential scale. In other parts of the world, different descriptions and scales may be used. The national hurricane center uses the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale to measure a storms strength and potential destruction. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale with categories from 15 has been stripped down to indicate wind speed only. Other articles where saffirsimpson hurricane scale is discussed. Jun 06, 2018 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale.
The following two tables define each scale in terms of the other scales parameters, i. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale national weather service. Categories are used to predict how much damage to structures is to be expected, how much flooding, and what the storm surge will be. The original saffir simpson hurricane damagepotential scale is a hurricane force scale using the numbers 15 to rate a hurricane s intensity. It provides no information on storm surge, rainfall ratesamounts, and tornadoes. Apr 22, 2020 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency officials. In a research group of two, the students worked collaboratively using a simulator on the noaa site to document the devastation that happens during a hurricane. Visit to find useful information for residents, businesses and visitors of lee county in southwest florida. Nasa s hurricane web page uses the official noaa measurements in its tropical cyclone coverage. The saffirsimpson team timothy schott, chris landsea, gene hafele, jeffrey lorens, arthur. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws hurricanes are classified on a scale from one to five by their wind speeds, either measured directly by instruments called anemometers or from estimated data provided by satellites. One piece of information youll hear about repeatedly while studying hurricanes is the saffir simpson scale of cyclone intensity.
The 5 categories of wind speed indicate expected damage to structures. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale category 1 74 to 95 category 2 96 to 110 category 3 111 to 129 category 4 to 156 category 5 157 and over hurricane watch. The design of the scale began in 1969, when herbert saffir was commissioned to examine the impact of hurricanes on low cost housing. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale the five categories are, in order of increasing intensity. An announcement that hurricane conditions sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified area. Feb 21, 2018 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale currently runs in severity from.
Today, the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane s intensity at the indicated time. As the publics main source of information about these catastrophic storms, simpson wanted a system that was easy to understand and that would actually help people prepare for an upcoming hurricane. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale the united states uses the saffirsimpson hurricane scale developed in 1969.
I also created an organizer, the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale organizer to guide the students through the simulation. It is only used for storms that are stronger than tropical storms, and become actual hurricanes. A 15 rating based on the hurricane s present intensity. Oct 09, 2008 the problem with the saffirsimpson scale is that it doesnt account for the size of a hurricane how far its damaging winds extend. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in. Obtaining information on storm surges and pressure is hard. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale national hurricane center. The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale provides information on wind impacts only and does not provide commentary or information on the other impacts or characteristics associated with tropical cyclones. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes. They used the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale as their guide. The saffir simpson hurricane scale is a scale classifying most western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the levels of tropical depression and tropical storm and thereby become hurricanes. Florida engineers do not have to file a notice to owner to lien a property.
The scale was developed by engineer herbert saffir and pioneer hurricane expert dr robert simpson in 1971. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws hurricane. The scale is also used to classify subtropical cyclones after a change in the rules made by the national hurricane center in 2002. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on.
No need to be a fan of hurricanes to understand the difference between a category 1 hurricane and a category 3 hurricane. Sustained winds 3342 ms 7495 mph 6482 kt 119153 kmh storm surge 45 ft 1. Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale was developed in 1971 by herbert saffir a civil engineer and robert simpson a meteorologist.
National hurricane center today, the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane s intensity at the indicated time. The weather channel meteorologist mark elliot prepared a video titled why hurricane categories make a difference and explained what each category means. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a scale that is used to sort tropical cyclones in the western hemisphere. Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered major. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale is a scale classifying most western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the levels of tropical depression and. The scale is intended to roughly predict the amount of expected damage before a hurricane hits land, allowing officials to prepare accordingly.
Sep 12, 2017 videographic explaining the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale used to rate the strength and destructive power of a hurricane. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale meteorology britannica. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale sshws is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricanes sustained wind speed. The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane s sustained wind speed. The national hurricane center uses the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale to measure a storms strength and potential destruction. Request pdf time to replace the saffirsimpson hurricane scale. The saffir simpson hurricane scale rates hurricanes from category 1 through category 5 in order of increasing intensity.