The Saffer-Simpson Scale
of Hurricane Intensity


One knot = 1.15 mph
Type Category Pressure Winds Storm Surge
millibars inches knots MPH feet
Tropical Depression TD - - over 34 over 39 -
Tropical Storm TS - - 34 ~ 63 39 ~ 73 -
Hurricane 1 over 980 over 28.94 64 ~ 82 74 ~ 95 4 ~ 5
Hurricane 2 965 ~ 980 28.5 ~ 28.93 83 ~ 95 96 ~ 110 6 ~ 8
Hurricane 3 945 ~ 965 27.91 ~ 28.49 96 ~ 112 111 ~ 130 9 ~ 12
Hurricane 4 920 ~ 945 27.17 ~ 27.90 113 ~ 134 131 ~ 155 13 ~ 18
Hurricane 5 less than 920 less than 27.17 over 134 over 155 over 18


For more information on the Saffer-Simpson Scale check The National Weather Service's descriptions.

Questions or problems with this web page should be directed to: Dave, N4QPM.

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