(WAVY) — The Saffir-Simpson scale is for the two men who helped create it – civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson. Together, these two men developed the scale to explain the type of damage a hurricane can produce on structures on land.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage.
Category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes are classified as Major Hurricanes. However, it’s important to still respect a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. They can still cause extensive damage.
Below is an example of the damage each category of hurricane can produce, from wind alone according to the National Hurricane Center.
CATEGORY 1 – 74 to 95 mph
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed
frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and
gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may
be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in
power outages that could last a few to several days.
CATEGORY 2- 96 to 110 mph
2 96-110 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage:
Well-constructed frame 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 – 111 to 129 mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed 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 – 131 to 156 mph
Catastrophic damage will 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 power poles
downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.
Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months.
CATEGORY 5 -156+ mph
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes
will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees
and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last
for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for
weeks or months.
