Saffir-Simpson Scale

The Saffir-Simpson scale, introduced in 1971 by the American engineer Herbert Saffir and the American meteorologist Robert Simpson, is used to measure cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons. The scale takes into consideration wind speed, potential damage, barometric pressure and the increase in sea level.

It has 5 categories.

1: winds from 119 to 153 km/h; minor to moderate damage.
2: winds from 154 to 177 km/h; major damage along the coastline; uprooted trees.
3: winds from 178 to 209 km/h; serious damage to small buildings along the coastline; roofs blown off.
4: winds from 210 to 249 km/h; major damage along the coast and inland.
5: winds higher than 249 km/h; a rare phenomenon that can tear down buildings.