When you hear terms like Category 1, Category 3 or even the rare Category 5 mentioned regarding hurricanes, what is being discussed is the classification system for hurricanes based on their winds.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane categories are measured by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, originally developed by wind engineer Herb Saffir and meteorologist Bob Simpson, according to the ...

Editor's note: Read USA TODAY's coverage of Helene's landfall and impacts for Friday, Sept. 27. As monster storms like Helene approach the U.S., meteorologists use five categories to help signal the ...

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds. This scale helps to estimate potential property damage. Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph. Damage ...

Yesterday, June 1st, was the first official day of hurricane season. While we normally only see rain and sometimes gusty winds from leftovers of tropical systems here in our area, it becomes very ...

(WAVY) — The Saffir-Simpson scale is for the two men who helped create it – civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson. Together, these two men developed the scale to explain the ...

Tropical systems begin as tropical depressions, which are areas of low pressure with wind speeds of up to 38 miles per hour. When those winds strengthen and reach between 39 and 73 miles per hour, the ...

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As hurricane season is quickly approaching, let’s remind you about the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. This scale is designed to categorize hurricanes based on wind speed and is ...