| Saffir-simpson Hurricane Scale |
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The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a scale classifying most Western Hemisphere Tropical Cyclone s that exceed the intensities of " Tropical Depression s" and " Tropical Storm s", and thereby become hurricanes. The categories into which the scale divides hurricanes are distinguished by the intensities of their respective sustained Wind s. The classifications are intended primarily for use in measuring the potential damage and Flood ing a hurricane will cause upon landfall. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is used '''only''' to describe hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean and northern Pacific Ocean east of the International Date Line . Other areas label their tropical cyclones as "cyclones" and "typhoons", and use their own Classification Scales . HISTORY The scale was developed in 1969 by Civil Engineer Herbert Saffir and Bob Simpson , at that time the director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center .1 The initial scale was developed by Saffir while on commission from the United Nations to study low-cost housing in hurricane-prone areas. While performing the study, Saffir realized there was no simple scale for describing the likely effects of a hurricane. Knowing the utility of the Richter Magnitude Scale in describing earthquakes, he devised a 1–5 scale based on Wind Speed that showed expected damage to structures. Saffir gave the scale to the NHC , and Simpson added in the effects of Storm Surge and flooding. The scale does not take into account Rainfall or location, which means a Category 2 hurricane that hits a major city will likely do far more damage than a Category 5 hurricane that hits a rural area.2 CATEGORIES The U.S. National Hurricane Center classifies hurricanes of Category 3 and above as ''major hurricanes''. The definition of sustained winds recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and used by most weather agencies is that of a 10-minute average at a height of 10 m (33 ft) . The U.S. weather service defines sustained winds based on 1-minute average speed, also measured 10 m (33 ft) above the surface..34 Accessed through the Wayback Machine . Central pressure values are approximate. Intensity of example hurricanes is from both the time of landfall and the maximum intensity.5 The five categories are, in order of increasing intensity: Category 1 Category 1 storms usually cause no real Damage to Building Structure s; however, these storms can still cause damage, primarily to unanchored Mobile Home s, Shrub bery, and Tree s. Also, they produce some Coast al Flood ing, as well as minor Pier damage.6 Storms of this intensity include Bess , in 1974; Jerry , in 1989; Ismael , in 1995; Danny , in 1997, and Gaston in 2004. Category 2 Storms of this intensity damage some Roof ing material, and also produce damage to Door s and Window s. Considerable damage is caused to Vegetation , mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Also, small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their Mooring s. Hurricanes that peaked at Category 2 intensity, and made landfall while still in that category include Carol of 1954; Diana in 1990; Erin during the 1995 Atlantic Hurricane Season ; Marty in 2003; and Juan , which struck Canada in 2003. Category 3 Tropical cyclones of this intensity and higher receive the name of Major Hurricane s when located in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific Basins . These storms can cause some structural damage to small Residence s and utility buildings, with a minor amount of Curtainwall failures. Buildings that lack a solid foundation, such as mobile homes, are usually destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, while larger structures are hit by Float ing Debris . Additionally, Terrain may be flooded well inland. A few examples of storms of this intensity include Alma of 1966, Alicia of 1983, Roxanne of 1995, Fran of 1996, and Isidore of 2002. Category 4 Category 4 hurricanes tend to produce more extensive curtainwall failures, with some complete roof Structural Failure on small residences. They also cause major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland as well. Hurricanes of this intensity are extremely dangerous to populated areas. The Galveston Hurricane Of 1900 , the deadliest natural disaster to hit the United States , would be classified as Category 4 if it were to occur today. Other examples of storms at this intensity are Hazel (1954), Iniki (1992), Iris (2001) and Charley (2004). Category 5 |
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