What scale determines the strength of hurricanes?

Hurricane strength is measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speeds.

The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5. A hurricane becomes Category 1 when sustained winds reach at least 119 km/h.

Category 1 hurricanes have winds of 119 to 153 km/h, while Category 2 storms have winds between 154 and 177 km/h.

A hurricane reaches Category 3 at 178 km/h and is considered a major hurricane. Category 4 ranges from 209 to 251 km/h, while Category 5 hurricanes have sustained winds of 252 km/h or greater.

The scale is based solely on wind speed and does not account for other potentially dangerous hazards such as storm surge, rainfall, flooding or the size of the storm.

As a result, a lower-category hurricane can still produce significant or even catastrophic impacts depending on its rainfall, storm surge, size and track.