The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Team (Timothy Schott, Chris Landsea, Gene Hafele, Jeffrey Lorens, Arthur
Taylor, Harvey Thurm, Bill Ward, Mark Willis, and Walt Zaleski)
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 categorization based on the
hurricane's intensity at the indicated time. The scale provides examples of the type of damage
and impacts in the United States associated with winds of the indicated intensity. In general,
damage rises by about a factor of four for every category increase
. The maximum sustained
surface wind speed (peak 1-minute wind at the standard meteorological observation height of 10
m [33 ft] over unobstructed exposure) associated with the cyclone is the determining factor in the
scale. (Note that sustained winds can be stronger in hilly or mountainous terrain – such as the
over the Appalachians or over much of Puerto Rico - compared with that experienced over flat
terrain
.) The historical examples provided in each of the categories correspond with the
observed or estimated maximum wind speeds from the hurricane experienced at the location
indicated. These do not necessarily correspond with the peak intensity reached by the system
during its lifetime. It is also important to note that peak 1-minute winds in hurricane are believed
to diminish by one category within a short distance, perhaps a kilometer [~ half a mile] of the
coastline
. For example, Hurricane Wilma made landfall in 2005 in southwest Florida as a
Category 3 hurricane. Even though this hurricane only took four hours to traverse the peninsula,
the winds experienced by most Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County communities
were Category 1 to Category 2 conditions. However, exceptions to this generalization are
certainly possible.
The scale does not address the potential for other hurricane-related impacts, such as
storm surge, rainfall-induced floods, and tornadoes. It should also be noted that these wind-
caused damage general descriptions are to some degree dependent upon the local building codes
in effect and how well and how long they have been enforced. For example, building codes
enacted during the 2000s in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina are likely to reduce the
damage to newer structures from that described below. However, for a long time to come, the
majority of the building stock in existence on the coast will not have been built to higher code.
Hurricane wind damage is also very dependent upon other factors, such as duration of high
winds, change of wind direction, and age of structures.
Earlier versions of this scale – known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale –
incorporated central pressure and storm surge as components of the categories. The central
pressure was used during the 1970s and 1980s as a proxy for the winds as accurate wind speed
intensity measurements from aircraft reconnaissance were not routinely available for hurricanes
until 1990
. Storm surge was also quantified by category in the earliest published versions of the
scale dating back to 1972
. However, hurricane size (extent of hurricane-force winds), local
bathymetry (depth of near-shore waters), topography, the hurricane’s forward speed and angle to
the coast also affect the surge that is produced
. For example, the very large Hurricane Ike
1
R. A. Pielke, Jr. and colleagues, 2008 in Natural Hazard Review.
2
C. A. Miller, and A. G. Davenport, 1998 in Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics.
3
P. J. Vickery and colleagues, 2009 in Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology.
4
R. C. Sheets, 1990 in Weather and Forecasting.
5
National Hurricane Operations Plan, 1972.
6
Jelesnianski, C. P., 1972 in NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS 46.
(with hurricane force winds extending as much as 125 mi from the center) in 2008 made landfall
in Texas as a Category 2 hurricane and had peak storm surge values of about 20 ft. In contrast,
tiny Hurricane Charley (with hurricane force winds extending at most 25 mi from the center)
struck Florida in 2004 as a Category 4 hurricane and produced a peak storm surge of only about
7 ft. These storm surge values were substantially outside of the ranges suggested in the original
scale. Thus to help reduce public confusion about the impacts associated with the various
hurricane categories as well as to provide a more scientifically defensible scale, the storm surge
ranges, flooding impact and central pressure statements are being removed from the scale and
only peak winds are employed in this revised version – the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind
Scale. (The impact statements below were derived from recommendations graciously provided
by experts [Bruce Harper, Forrest Masters, Mark Powell, Tim Marshall, Tim Reinhold, and Peter
Vickery] in hurricane boundary layer winds and hurricane wind engineering fields
.)
Category One Hurricane (Sustained winds 74-95 mph [119-153 km/hr]). Very
dangerous winds will produce some damage
People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed.
Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if
they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations. Newer
mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of
shingle or metal roof coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports,
sunrooms, or lanais. Some poorly constructed frame homes can experience major
damage, involving loss of the roof covering and damage to gable ends as well as the
removal of porch coverings and awnings. Unprotected windows may break if struck by
flying debris. Masonry chimneys can be toppled. Well-constructed frame homes could
have damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, soffit panels, and gutters. Failure of
aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures can occur. Some apartment building
and shopping center roof coverings could be partially removed. Industrial buildings can
lose roofing and siding especially from windward corners, rakes, and eaves. Failures to
overhead doors and unprotected windows will be common. Windows in high-rise
buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant
danger even after the storm. There will be occasional damage to commercial signage,
fences, and canopies. Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be
toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages
that could last a few to several days. Hurricane Dolly (2008) is an example of a hurricane
that brought Category 1 winds and impacts to South Padre Island, Texas.
Category Two Hurricane (Sustained winds 96-110 mph [154-177 km/hr]). Extremely
dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
There is a substantial risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying
and falling debris. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes have a very high
chance of being destroyed and the flying debris generated can shred nearby mobile
7
J. L. Irish, D. T. Resio, and J. J. Ratcliff, 2008 in Journal of Physical Oceanography.
8
F. Masters, P. Vickery, B. Harper, M. Powell, and T. Reinhold, 2009 in Engineering Guidance Regarding Wind-
Caused Damage Descriptors.
9
T. Marshall, 2009 in On the Performance of Buildings in Hurricanes – A Study for the Saffir-Simpson Scale
Committee.
homes. Newer mobile homes can also be destroyed. Poorly constructed frame homes
have a high chance of having their roof structures removed especially if they are not
anchored properly. Unprotected windows will have a high probability of being broken by
flying debris. Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding
damage. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures will be common.
There will be a substantial percentage of roof and siding damage to apartment buildings
and industrial buildings. Unreinforced masonry walls can collapse. Windows in high-
rise buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a
significant danger even after the storm. Commercial signage, fences, and canopies will
be damaged and often destroyed. 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. Potable water could become scarce as filtration
systems begin to fail. Hurricane Frances (2004) is an example of a hurricane that brought
Category 2 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Port St. Lucie, Florida with Category
1 conditions experienced elsewhere in the city.
Category Three Hurricane (Sustained winds 111-130 mph [178-209 km/hr]).
Devastating damage will occur
There is a high risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and
falling debris. Nearly all older (pre-1994) mobile homes will be destroyed. Most newer
mobile homes will sustain severe damage with potential for complete roof failure and
wall collapse. Poorly constructed frame homes can be destroyed by the removal of the
roof and exterior walls. Unprotected windows will be broken by flying debris. Well-
built frame homes can experience major damage involving the removal of roof decking
and gable ends. There will be a high percentage of roof covering and siding damage to
apartment buildings and industrial buildings. Isolated structural damage to wood or steel
framing can occur. Complete failure of older metal buildings is possible, and older
unreinforced masonry buildings can collapse. Numerous windows will be blown out of
high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will pose a threat for days to weeks
after the storm. Most commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be destroyed. Many
trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be
unavailable for several days to a few weeks after the storm passes. Hurricane Ivan (2004)
is an example of a hurricane that brought Category 3 winds and impacts to coastal
portions of Gulf Shores, Alabama with Category 2 conditions experienced elsewhere in
this city.
Category Four Hurricane (Sustained winds 131-155 mph [210-249 km/hr]).
Catastrophic damage will occur
There is a very high risk of injury or death to people, livestock, and pets due to flying and
falling debris. Nearly all older (pre-1994) mobile homes will be destroyed. A high
percentage of newer mobile homes also will be destroyed. Poorly constructed homes can
sustain complete collapse of all walls as well as the loss of the roof structure. Well-built
homes also can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some
exterior walls. Extensive damage to roof coverings, windows, and doors will occur.
Large amounts of windborne debris will be lofted into the air. Windborne debris damage
will break most unprotected windows and penetrate some protected windows. There will
be a high percentage of structural damage to the top floors of apartment buildings. Steel
frames in older industrial buildings can collapse. There will be a high percentage of
collapse to older unreinforced masonry buildings. Most windows will be blown out of
high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will pose a threat for days to weeks
after the storm. Nearly all commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be destroyed.
Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power
poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months.
Long-term water shortages will increase human suffering. Most of the area will be
uninhabitable for weeks or months. 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.
Category Five Hurricane (Sustained winds greater than 155 mph [249 km/hr]).
Catastrophic damage will occur
People, livestock, and pets are at very high risk of injury or death from flying or falling
debris, even if indoors in mobile homes or framed homes. Almost complete destruction
of all mobile homes will occur, regardless of age or construction. A high percentage of
frame homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Extensive
damage to roof covers, windows, and doors will occur. Large amounts of windborne
debris will be lofted into the air. Windborne debris damage will occur to nearly all
unprotected windows and many protected windows. Significant damage to wood roof
commercial buildings will occur due to loss of roof sheathing. Complete collapse of
many older metal buildings can occur. Most unreinforced masonry walls will fail which
can lead to the collapse of the buildings. A high percentage of industrial buildings and
low-rise apartment buildings will be destroyed. Nearly all windows will be blown out of
high-rise buildings resulting in falling glass, which will pose a threat for days to weeks
after the storm. Nearly all commercial signage, fences, and canopies will be destroyed.
Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and
power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly
months. Long-term water shortages will increase human suffering. Most of the area will
be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Hurricane Andrew (1992) is an example of a
hurricane that brought Category 5 winds and impacts to coastal portions of Cutler Ridge,
Florida with Category 4 conditions experienced elsewhere in south Miami-Dade County.
Category
Winds
(1 min
sustained
winds in
mph and
km/hr)
Summary People,
Livestock, and
Pets
Mobile Homes
Frame Homes
Apartments,
Shopping Centers,
and Industrial
Buildings
High-Rise
Windows and
Glass
Signage,
Fences, and
Canopies
Trees Power
and
Water
Example
1
74-95
[119-153]
Very dangerous
winds will
produce some
damage
People, livestock,
and pets struck by
flying or falling
debris could be
injured or killed.
Older (mainly pre-1994
construction) mobile
homes could be
destroyed, especially if
they are not anchored
properly as they tend to
shift or roll off their
foundations. Newer
mobile homes that are
anchored properly can
sustain damage
involving the removal
of shingle or metal roof
coverings, and loss of
vinyl siding, as well as
damage to carports,
sunrooms, or lanais.
Some poorly constructed
frame homes can experience
major damage, involving loss
of the roof covering and
damage to gable ends as well
as the removal of porch
coverings and awnings.
Unprotected windows may
break if struck by flying
debris. Masonry chimneys
can be toppled. Well-
constructed frame homes
could have damage to roof
shingles, vinyl siding, soffit
panels, and gutters. Failure
of aluminum, screened-in,
swimming pool enclosures
can occur.
Some apartment building
and shopping center roof
coverings could be
partially removed.
Industrial buildings can
lose roofing and siding
especially from
windward corners, rakes,
and eaves. Failures to
overhead doors and
unprotected windows will
be common.
Windows in high-
rise buildings can
be broken by
flying debris.
Falling and
broken glass will
pose a significant
danger even after
the storm.
There will be
occasional
damage to
commercial
signage, fences,
and canopies.
Large
branches of
trees will
snap and
shallow
rooted trees
can be
toppled.
Extensive
damage to
power lines and
poles will likely
result in power
outages that
could last a few
to several days.
Hurricane Dolly
(2008) is an
example of a
hurricane that
brought Category
1 winds and
impacts to South
Padre Island,
Texas.
Category
Winds
(1 min
sustained
winds in
mph and
km/hr)
Summary People,
Livestock, and
Pets
Mobile Homes
Frame Homes
Apartments,
Shopping Centers,
and Industrial
Buildings
High-Rise
Windows and
Glass
Signage,
Fences, and
Canopies
Trees Power
and
Water
Example
2
96-110
[154-177]
Extremely
dangerous winds
will cause
extensive damage
There is a
substantial risk of
injury or death to
people, livestock,
and pets due to
flying and falling
debris.
Older (mainly pre-1994
construction) mobile
homes have a very high
chance of being
destroyed and the
flying debris generated
can shred nearby
mobile homes. Newer
mobile homes can also
be destroyed.
Poorly constructed frame
homes have a high chance of
having their roof structures
removed especially if they
are not anchored properly.
Unprotected windows will
have a high probability of
being broken by flying
debris. Well-constructed
frame homes could sustain
major roof and siding
damage. Failure of
aluminum, screened-in,
swimming pool enclosures
will be common.
There will be a
substantial percentage of
roof and siding damage
to apartment buildings
and industrial buildings.
Unreinforced masonry
walls can collapse.
Windows in high-
rise buildings can
be broken by
flying debris.
Falling and
broken glass will
pose a significant
danger even after
the storm.
Commercial
signage, fences,
and canopies will
be damaged and
often destroyed.
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. Potable
water could
become scarce
as filtration
systems begin
to fail.
Hurricane
Frances (2004) is
an example of a
hurricane that
brought Category
2 winds and
impacts to coastal
portions of Port
St. Lucie, Florida
with Category 1
conditions
experienced
elsewhere in the
city.
Category
Winds
(1 min
sustained
winds in
mph and
km/hr)
Summary People,
Livestock, and
Pets
Mobile Homes
Frame Homes
Apartments,
Shopping Centers,
and Industrial
Buildings
High-Rise
Windows and
Glass
Signage,
Fences, and
Canopies
Trees Power
and
Water
Example
3
111-130
[178-209]
Devastating
damage will
occur
There is a high
risk of injury or
death to people,
livestock, and
pets due to flying
and falling debris.
Nearly all older (pre-
1994) mobile homes
will be destroyed.
Most newer mobile
homes will sustain
severe damage with
potential for complete
roof failure and wall
collapse.
Poorly constructed frame
homes can be destroyed by
the removal of the roof and
exterior walls. Unprotected
windows will be broken by
flying debris. Well-built
frame homes can experience
major damage involving the
removal of roof decking and
gable ends.
There will be a high
percentage of roof
covering and siding
damage to apartment
buildings and industrial
buildings. Isolated
structural damage to
wood or steel framing
can occur. Complete
failure of older metal
buildings is possible, and
older unreinforced
masonry buildings can
collapse.
Numerous
windows will be
blown out of
high-rise
buildings
resulting in
falling glass,
which will pose a
threat for days to
weeks after the
storm.
Most commercial
signage, fences,
and canopies will
be destroyed.
Many trees
will be
snapped or
uprooted,
blocking
numerous
roads.
Electricity and
water will be
unavailable for
several days to
a few weeks
after the storm
passes.
Hurricane Ivan
(2004) is an
example of a
hurricane that
brought Category
3 winds and
impacts to coastal
portions of Gulf
Shores, Alabama
with Category 2
conditions
experienced
elsewhere in this
city.
Category
Winds
(1 min
sustained
winds in
mph and
km/hr)
Summary People,
Livestock, and
Pets
Mobile Homes
Frame Homes
Apartments,
Shopping Centers,
and Industrial
Buildings
High-Rise
Windows and
Glass
Signage,
Fences, and
Canopies
Trees Power
and
Water
Example
4
131-155
[210-249]
Catastrophic
damage will
occur
There is a very
high risk of injury
or death to
people, livestock,
and pets due to
flying and falling
debris.
Nearly all older (pre-
1994) mobile homes
will be destroyed. A
high percentage of
newer mobile homes
also will be destroyed.
Poorly constructed homes
can sustain complete collapse
of all walls as well as the loss
of the roof structure. Well-
built homes also can sustain
severe damage with loss of
most of the roof structure
and/or some exterior walls.
Extensive damage to roof
coverings, windows, and
doors will occur. Large
amounts of windborne debris
will be lofted into the air.
Windborne debris damage
will break most unprotected
windows and penetrate some
protected windows.
There will be a high
percentage of structural
damage to the top floors
of apartment buildings.
Steel frames in older
industrial buildings can
collapse. There will be a
high percentage of
collapse to older
unreinforced masonry
buildings.
Most windows
will be blown out
of high-rise
buildings
resulting in
falling glass,
which will pose a
threat for days to
weeks after the
storm.
Nearly all
commercial
signage, fences,
and canopies will
be destroyed.
Most trees
will be
snapped or
uprooted and
power poles
downed.
Fallen trees
and power
poles will
isolate
residential
areas.
Power outages
will last for
weeks to
possibly
months. Long-
term water
shortages will
increase human
suffering. Most
of the area will
be
uninhabitable
for weeks or
months.
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.
Category
Winds
(1 min
sustained
winds in
mph and
km/hr)
Summary People,
Livestock, and
Pets
Mobile Homes
Frame Homes
Apartments,
Shopping Centers,
and Industrial
Buildings
High-Rise
Windows and
Glass
Signage,
Fences, and
Canopies
Trees Power
and
Water
Example
5
> 155
[> 249]
Catastrophic
damage will
occur
People, livestock,
and pets are at
very high risk of
injury or death
from flying or
falling debris,
even if indoors in
mobile homes or
framed homes.
Almost complete
destruction of all
mobile homes will
occur, regardless of age
or construction.
A high percentage of frame
homes will be destroyed,
with total roof failure and
wall collapse. Extensive
damage to roof covers,
windows, and doors will
occur. Large amounts of
windborne debris will be
lofted into the air.
Windborne debris damage
will occur to nearly all
unprotected windows and
many protected windows.
Significant damage to
wood roof commercial
buildings will occur due
to loss of roof sheathing.
Complete collapse of
many older metal
buildings can occur.
Most unreinforced
masonry walls will fail
which can lead to the
collapse of the buildings.
A high percentage of
industrial buildings and
low-rise apartment
buildings will be
destroyed.
Nearly all
windows will be
blown out of
high-rise
buildings
resulting in
falling glass,
which will pose a
threat for days to
weeks after the
storm.
Nearly all
commercial
signage, fences,
and canopies will
be destroyed.
Nearly all
trees will be
snapped or
uprooted and
power poles
downed.
Fallen trees
and power
poles will
isolate
residential
areas.
Power outages
will last for
weeks to
possibly
months. Long-
term water
shortages will
increase human
suffering. Most
of the area will
be
uninhabitable
for weeks or
months.
Hurricane
Andrew (1992) is
an example of a
hurricane that
brought Category
5 winds and
impacts to coastal
portions of Cutler
Ridge, Florida
with Category 4
conditions
experienced
elsewhere in
south Miami-
Dade County.