How to Measure Hurricane Strength: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) is the standard system used to classify hurricanes by their wind speed and potential for damage. This 1-to-5 category scale helps forecasters and the public understand the intensity of tropical cyclones at landfall. While storm surge and rainfall vary by region, wind speed remains the key factor in determining a hurricane’s category—from Category 1 (minimal damage) to Category 5 (catastrophic destruction). Learn what each category means and see examples of past storms that defined history.

This hurricane scale is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf in the landfall region. Wind speeds are measured using a 1-minute average.

Note:The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS) was updated in 2012 to accomodate number rounding issues.