Theodore fujita, it is used to classify tornadoes according to their rotational wind speed. Other scales are often used in other areas of the world. All of the scales rank tropical cyclones using their maximum sustained winds, which are either. Plymouth state weather center tropical storm criteria. Herbert seymour saffir 29 march 1917 21 november 2007. Describe the three things that favor hurricane intensification. The smallest hurricanes have wind speeds of 74 mph 119 kmh while the.
The saffirsimpson hurricane scale is a 15 rating based on the hurricanes present intensity. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale definition and meaning. Isabel remained a strong category 4 hurricane until reaching the rare category 5 status, the highest category of hurricane strength on the saffirsimpson scale, thursday, september 11. This scale is commonly referred to as the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws. Hurricanes talbot county emergency management agency. Minor modification to saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale for the 2012 hurricane season the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale sshws is undergoing a minor modification for 2012 in order to resolve awkwardness associated with conversions among the various units used for wind speed in advisory products.
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. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale sam houston electric. Mann said reevaluating the scale or adding a category six would have implications for the preparedness of communities. Today, hurricane force winds are sometimes described as beaufort scale 12 through 16, very roughly related to the respective category speeds of the saffirsimpson hurricane scale, by which actual hurricanes are measured, where category 1 is equivalent to beaufort 12. 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. The scale keeps the same wind speed ranges as the original saffirsimpson scale for each of the five hurricane categories, but no longer ties specific storm surge. Stronger storms mean new category six scale may be. To learn more about hurricane winds and tropical cyclones, see the meted lesson, introduction to. Animation showing an example of hurricane wind damage as measured using the saffirsimpson scale. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale pdf the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale summary table pdf storm surge scales and storm surge forecasting pdf original saffirsimpson intensity scale for hurricanes. Importantly, the saffirsimpson categorization is a linear and intervallevel scale ranging from 1 minimal damage to 5 catastrophic damage. The scale provides examples of the type of damage and impacts in. This scale can be used to determine possible storm surge and damage impact on land.
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. Stronger storms mean new category six scale may be needed. He also published articles on designing buildings for. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricanes intensity at the indicated time. This makes katrina the third most intense united states u. The original saffirsimpson hurricane damagepotential scale is a hurricane force scale using the numbers 15 to rate a hurricane s intensity.
A 15 rating based on the hurricane s present intensity. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane s intensity at the indicated time. The 2003 pacific hurricane season saw an strangely big number of tropical cyclones affect mexico. The main threat to life and property may be flooding from heavy rains. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale for hawaii the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale for hawaii is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane s intensity at the indicated time. The wind speeds are estimates based on the damage a tornado does to manmade structures. In the atlantic and northeast pacific oceans, the saffirsimpson scale is used. The scale classifies hurricanes based on wind speed, pressure, and the height of the storm surge.
According to robert simpson, there are no reasons for a category 6 on the saffir simpson scale because it is designed to measure the potential damage of a hurricane to manmade structures. Hypothesize what would happen if a hurricane with an intensity of 3 on the saffirsimpson scale hit where they live. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern pacific ocean of note in this season is an unusual spree of very intense storms. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale currently runs in severity from. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Mann said reevaluating the scale or adding a category six would have implications for the preparedness of. Major hurricane day mhd four 6hour periods during which a hurricane has an intensity of saffirsimpson category 3 or higher. Robert simpson, former director of the national hurricane center, talks about the saffirsimpson scale that categorizes hurricanes. The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency officials. 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. Each intensity category specifies the range of conditions of four criteria. It is a fivecategory classification scale for hurricanes distinguished by the intensity. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale a standard scale, introduced in 1955 by meteorologists of the us weather bureau, for reporting tropical cyclones. The scale used for a particular tropical cyclone depends on what basin the system is located in.
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. The scale is assigned five categories with category 1 assigned to a minimal hurricane and category 5 to a worst case scenario. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale sshs was institutionalized in 1973 in the aftermath of hurricane camille as a way of communicating storm intensity prior to landfall. Hurricanes and tropical storms have brought damaging winds, devastating. Jun 06, 2018 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale. 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. Royal oak newcomb bellevue surge map adobe pdf file icon. The scale is based on measurements of sustained wind speed. One piece of information youll hear about repeatedly while studying hurricanes is the saffir simpson scale of cyclone intensity. Sustained winds of 7495 mph, 6482 kt, or 119153 kmhr. Oct 23, 2015 animation showing an example of hurricane wind damage as measured using the saffir simpson scale. Strength wind speed kts wind speed mph pressure millibars pressure. Along with information about the expected track and point of landfall, policymakers have used this. This constitutes a category 3 or higher on the saffirsimpson scale.
The saffirsimpson hurricane scale is a 15 rating based on the hurricane s present intensity. It is only used for storms that are stronger than tropical storms, and become actual hurricanes. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly. This is a pdf file, so you need to have adobe acrobat reader. National hurricane center, supplemented saffirs scale with estimates of the storm surge expected at landfall. Hypothesize what would happen if a hurricane with an intensity of 3 on the saffir simpson scale hit where they live. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on. This scale is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. The initial scale was developed by herbert saffir, a structural. 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. How noaas saffirsimpson wind scale classifies hurricanes. Minor modification to saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale. Other articles where saffirsimpson hurricane scale is discussed.
Students plot the path of a recent hurricane irene, 2011, work with an. Sep 11, 2017 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshs was developed in 1971 by herbert saffir and robert simpson. Coastal residents found it difficult to believe that katrina was only a category 3 hurricane. The saffir simpson hurricane damage intensity scale, in addition to the. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however. For more detailed information on this scale and surge forecasting, please refer to the following nws pages.
The hurricane severity index a new method of classifying. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Three other pacific storms and three atlantic storms also affected mexico. Hurricane iniki 1992 made landfall on kauai as a category 4 hurricane.
Robert simpson explains saffirsimpson hurricane category. However, the extended beaufort numbers above do not match the saffirsimpson scale. 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 scale is assigned to a hurricane based on its peak wind. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale sshws hurricane matthew. Saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale national hurricane center. May 30, 20 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale. I know that this made a difference and helped them better understand what happens during each hurricane wind category. Each hurricane usually lasts for over a week, moving 1020 miles per hour over the open ocean. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale national weather service. The saffir simpson hurricane scale rates hurricanes from category 1 through category 5 in order of increasing intensity. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale the five categories are, in order of increasing intensity.
A hurricane s power is measured on the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale, which was developed in 1971 by herbert saffir, u. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane s sustained wind speed. Saffirsimpson scale article about saffirsimpson scale by. Saffirsimpson hurricane damagepotential scale windows to. If the wind speed of the hurricane is above 155 mph 249 kmh and is sustained for as much as 60 seconds, then the damage to a building will be serious no. However, classifying the tornado based on damage is somewhat subjective. They used the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale as their guide. 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. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is designed to help determine wind hazards of an approaching hurricane easier for emergency officials. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage. The original saffir simpson hurricane damagepotential scale is a hurricane force scale using the numbers 15 to rate a hurricane s intensity. Feb 21, 2018 the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale currently runs in severity from.
The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane s sustained wind speed. Today, the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the hurricane s intensity at the indicated time. Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. The storm formed near the coast of africa on september 9, becoming a category 5 hurricane on the saffirsimpson hurricane scale, before making landfall as. The saffir simpson hurricane scale is used to describe the strength of hurricanes in the atlantic and eastern pacific. Wherever it lands is going to look like it got hit by a bomb. The 1938 new england hurricane also referred to as the great new england hurricane, long island express, and yankee clipper was one of the deadliest and most destructive tropical cyclones to strike long island, new york, and new england. An announcement that hurricane conditions sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified area. Weather terms hurricane map saffir simpson scale 2016 atlantic hurricane names emergency contact numbers emergency preparedness information categorywindmph damage 1 7495 minimal 2 96110moderate 3 111129extensive 4 156extreme 5 157 and up. The classifications are used mainly to predict the.
It adds a further five categories to the beaufort scale, and includes the surface atmospheric pressure at the centre of the low pressure system and the size of the storm surge it causes. The categories into which the scale separates hurricanes are noted by the strength of their maximum sustained wind speeds. They used the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale as their guide. The saffirsimpson scale has been used widely over the last 30 years to convey hurricane intensity and destructive potential. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the. Saffir gave the scale to the nhc, and simpson added the effects of storm surge and flooding. Perceptions of hurricane destructiveness and selfreported. Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale category 1 winds 74 to 95 mph category 2 winds 96 to 110 mph category 3 winds 111 to 129 mph category 4 winds to 156 mph category 5 winds 157 mph or higher page 12 preparing pets and livestock hurricane forecast resources page 17 hurricane tracking chart page 15 16 final checklist page 14.
The scale provides examples of the type of damages and impacts in hawaii associated with winds of the indicated intensity. Monday, september 8, going through categories 2 and 3 of the saffirsimpson hurricane scale appendix a and reaching category 4 intensity by 11 p. Major hurricane mh a hurricane which reaches a sustained lowlevel wind of at least 111 mph 96 knots or 50 ms1 at some point in its lifetime. 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. Robert simpson explains saffirsimpson hurricane category scale. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a scale that is used to sort tropical cyclones in the western hemisphere. Sustained winds 3342 ms 7495 mph 6482 kt 119153 kmh storm surge 45 ft 1. Hurricane charley 2004 is an example of a hurricane that brought category 4 winds and impacts to coastal portions of punta gorda, florida with category 3 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.
This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and. The biggest cyclones in 2003 were hurricanes ignacio which killed 2 people in mexico and marty which killed 12 people in mexico. The scale was developed by engineer herbert saffir and pioneer hurricane expert dr robert simpson in 1971. The resulting saffirsimpson hurricane scale, summarized in table 1, has been used extensively for hurricane emergency response.
Saffir simpson hurricane wind scale the categories for the hurricanes listed below are determined by the storms strength when it made landfall in the u. It can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Hurricane category wind speed kmh mih storm surge m ft 1 119153 7495 1. Hurricanes and tropical storms have brought damaging winds, devastating storm.
I also created an organizer, the saffir simpson hurricane wind scale organizer to guide the students through the simulation. The scale was introduced to the general public in 1973, and saw widespread use after neil frank replaced simpson at the helm of the nhc in 1974. I also created an organizer, the saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale organizer to guide the students through the simulation. Saffirsimpson hurricane scale meteorology britannica. The saffir simpson hurricane scale is a 15 rating based on the hurricane s present intensity. The 1994 pacific hurricane season officially started on may 15, 1994 in the eastern pacific, and on june 1, 1994 in the central pacific, and lasted until november 30, 1994. Saffirsimpson scale developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s by herbert saffir and robert simpson entered operational use in 1975 designed to assess the damage potential of a landfalling hurricane and provide guidance to emergency response officials scale numbers range from 1 to 5. As recently as 2005 saffir was the principal of saffir engineering in coral gables, florida. The saffirsimpson hurricane scale this scale rates hurricane s intensity based on sustained wind speed, and provides an estimate of potential property damage and flooding. The saffirsimpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricanes sustained wind speed. Determine what difference the timing of the tide makes on the damage done by a hurricane. Describe the saffirsimpson scale of hurricane intensity. Damage is limited to foliage, signage, unanchored boats and mobile homes.