Interactive infographic
Hurricane Categories Explained: Saffir-Simpson Scale
Move the wind speed slider to see how the Saffir-Simpson scale rates hurricanes from Category 1 to 5, and what damage each category brings.
What this infographic shows
A hurricane’s category is a measure of its wind, and only its wind. The National Hurricane Center uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which sorts storms into five categories by their highest sustained wind speed. Each step up brings much more damage, because the force of wind rises faster than its speed.
The bar shows the six bands, from tropical storm to Category 5. The three coral-tinted bands are major hurricanes.
How to use it
- Move the wind speed slider.
- Watch which band lights up and read the expected damage below it.
- Note how narrow Category 2 and 3 are. A storm can jump a category with a small rise in wind.
What the category leaves out
Storm surge, rainfall and inland flooding are not part of the scale, and they are often the deadliest parts of a hurricane. Forecasters issue separate warnings for each. When officials order an evacuation, follow it whatever the category.
The damage descriptions summarise the National Hurricane Center’s own wording.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hurricane categories?
Category 1 is 74–95 mph, Category 2 is 96–110 mph, Category 3 is 111–129 mph, Category 4 is 130–156 mph, and Category 5 is 157 mph or higher, according to the National Hurricane Center.
What is a major hurricane?
A hurricane of Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. These storms cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage.
Is there a Category 6 hurricane?
No. The official scale ends at Category 5, which covers every storm with sustained winds of 157 mph or more.
Why can a Category 1 hurricane still be dangerous?
Because the category only measures wind. Storm surge and heavy rain can flood large areas even in weaker hurricanes, and water causes most hurricane deaths.
Sources
Text version of this infographic
What a hurricane's category means
The Saffir-Simpson scale rates a hurricane only by its strongest sustained wind. Move the slider to raise the wind.
Sustained wind speed
Storm 39+
Cat 1 74+
Cat 2 96+
Cat 3 111+
Cat 4 130+
Cat 5 157+
The category does not include storm surge, rainfall or flooding, which cause most hurricane deaths. A Category 1 storm can still be deadly. Always follow local evacuation orders.