A 1-5 scale rating tropical cyclone intensity by maximum sustained winds: Category 1 (119-153 km/h) to Category 5 (>252 km/h).
measurementWhat is Saffir-Simpson Scale?
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used primarily in the Atlantic but is sometimes applied to western Pacific typhoons for context. Category 3-5 storms are considered major hurricanes/typhoons. Supertyphoon Haiyan (2013) had estimated sustained winds of 315 km/h at landfall — well beyond Category 5. PAGASA uses its own classification system (tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, supertyphoon) for Philippine-area cyclones.
Key points
- A 1-5 scale rating tropical cyclone intensity by maximum sustained winds: Category 1 (119-153 km/h) to Category 5 (>252 km/h).
- Category: measurement
Related terms
See also: saffir-simpson is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.