Classification of Hurricanes

Hurricanes are classified by the Saffir-Simpson scale. This scale is based on five levels of strength. It is the scale used by the United States in addition to other countries in putting hurricanes into categories.

Saffir-Simpson Scale

Number Wind speeds (Mph) Windspeed (Kts) Pressure Pressure (Millibars)
1 74 - 95 62 - 82 28.94 "Hg 980+
2 96 -110 83 -95 28.50 - 28.91 "Hg 965 - 979
3 111 -130 96 -113 27.91 - 28.47 "Hg 945 - 964
4 131 -155 114 -135 27.17 - 27.88 "Hg 920 - 944
5 155+ 135+ 27.16 "Hg 919

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