How to Read the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale 🌀

What we’re showing

This graphic explains the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is widely used to categorize the intensity and damage potential of impending hurricanes. 

Category can change as hurricanes develop

Hurricanes often weaken as they approach land due to friction with the surface and reduced access to the warm ocean waters that fuel them. 

For example, Hurricane Katrina strengthened into a Category 5 over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but reduced to a Category 3 upon landfall. 

Hurricanes not the primary damage dealer

Hurricane winds can cause significant damage to buildings, but often the majority of damage comes from storm surges (tsunami-like phenomenon of rising water) and flooding.

To learn more, check out: The Costliest Hurricanes to Hit the U.S.