Saffir and Simpson developed a scale for hurricane intensity which can be used to estimate the risk for property damage and coastal flooding.
Wind Speed |
Atmospheric Pressure in inches Hg |
Surge |
Damage Potential |
Category |
74 - 95 mph |
>= 28.94 |
4 - 5 feet |
minimal to mild |
1 |
96 - 110 mph |
28.54 - 28.93 |
6 - 8 feet |
moderate |
2 |
111- 130 mph |
27.91 - 28.49 |
9 - 12 feet |
extensive |
3 |
131 - 155 mph |
27.17 - 27.90 |
13 - 18 feet |
extreme |
4 |
>= 155 mph |
<= 27.17 |
>= 18 feet |
catastrophic |
5 |
where:
• 1 knot = 1.15 miles/hour (using statute mile) and 1 km/hr = 0.621 miles/hour
• Storms with wind speeds < 39 miles per hour are termed a tropical depression.
• A tropical storm has wind speeds from 39-73 miles per hour.
The extent of the storm surge is affected by the state of the tides at landfall, with more flooding at high tide than at low tide.
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care