Editing Saffir–Simpson scale (section)

==Categories==
{{Saffir-Simpson small|align=center}}

The scale separates hurricanes into five different categories based on wind. The U.S. National Hurricane Center classifies hurricanes of Category&nbsp;3 and above as ''major hurricanes''. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center classifies typhoons of 150&nbsp;mph (240&nbsp;km/h) or greater (strong Category&nbsp;4 and Category&nbsp;5) as ''super typhoons''. Most weather agencies use the definition for sustained winds recommended by the [[World Meteorological Organization]] (WMO), which specifies measuring winds at a height of {{convert|33|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} for 10&nbsp;minutes, and then taking the average. By contrast, the U.S. [[National Weather Service]], [[Central Pacific Hurricane Center]] and the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] define sustained winds as average winds over a period of one minute, measured at the same {{convert|33|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} height,<ref name="NWSM Defs">{{cite web | author = Tropical Cyclone Weather Services Program | title = Tropical cyclone definitions | url = http://www.weather.gov/directives/sym/pd01006004curr.pdf | date = June 1, 2006 | access-date = November 30, 2006 | publisher = National Weather Service}}</ref><ref name="FEMA glossary">{{cite web | author=[[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] | title = Hurricane Glossary of Terms | year = 2004 | access-date = March 24, 2006 | url = http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/hurglos.shtm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051214034332/http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/hurglos.shtm |archive-date = December 14, 2005}} Accessed through the [[Internet Archive|Wayback Machine]].</ref> and that is the definition used for this scale.

The five categories are described in the following subsections, in order of increasing intensity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livescience.com/33668-hurricane-famous-examples-5-hurricane-categories.html|title=Name That Hurricane: Famous Examples of the 5&nbsp;Hurricane Categories|work=Live Science|access-date=September 11, 2017}}</ref> Example hurricanes for each category are limited to those which made landfall at their maximum achieved category on the scale.

===Category 1===
{{See also|List of Category 1 Atlantic hurricanes|List of Category 1 Pacific hurricanes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; float:right; margin-left: 1em; width:350px;"
! style="background: #{{Storm colour|cat1}}; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Category&nbsp;1
|-
! Sustained&nbsp;winds
! Most recent landfall
|-
| 33–42&nbsp;[[metre per second|m/s]]<br />64–82&nbsp;[[knot (unit)|kn]]<br />119–153&nbsp;km/h<br />74–95&nbsp;mph
| style = "font-size: 80%; width:142px" |[[File:Oscar 2024-10-20 2050Z.jpg|140px]] [[Hurricane Oscar (2024)|Oscar]] in 2024 at landfall in [[Cuba]]<!--This image should show the most recent hurricane to both peak and make landfall Category 1 intensity-->
|}

'''''Very dangerous winds will produce some damage'''''

Category&nbsp;1 storms usually cause no significant structural [[property damage|damage]] to most well-constructed permanent structures. They can topple unanchored [[mobile home]]s, as well as uproot or snap weak trees. Poorly attached roof shingles or tiles can blow off. [[Coastal flooding]] and [[pier]] damage are often associated with Category&nbsp;1 storms. Power outages are typically widespread to extensive, sometimes lasting several days. Even though it is the least intense type of hurricane, they can still produce widespread damage and can be life-threatening storms.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

Hurricanes that peaked at Category&nbsp;1 intensity and made landfall at that intensity include: <!--This list only includes storms that both peaked and made landfall at Category 1 intensity. Also, please maintain a limit of 20 storms per Saffir-Simpson category, eliminating older and less notable systems as more recent storms make landfall. The reason for maintaining a limit of 20 storms is that as of October 25, 2023, there have been 19 hurricanes that have made landfall while at Category 5 strength in the Atlantic basin and one in the east Pacific, and each category should have the same number of examples to maintain consistency.-->[[Hurricane Juan (1985)|Juan]] (1985), [[Hurricane Ismael|Ismael]] (1995), [[Hurricane Danny (1997)|Danny]] (1997), [[Hurricane Stan|Stan]] (2005), [[Hurricane Humberto (2007)|Humberto]] (2007), [[Hurricane Isaac (2012)|Isaac]] (2012), [[Hurricane Manuel|Manuel]] (2013), [[Hurricane Earl (2016)|Earl]] (2016), [[Hurricane Newton (2016)|Newton]] (2016), [[Hurricane Nate|Nate]] (2017), [[Hurricane Barry (2019)|Barry]] (2019), [[Hurricane Lorena (2019)|Lorena]] (2019), [[Hurricane Hanna (2020)|Hanna]] (2020), [[Hurricane Isaias|Isaias]] (2020), [[Hurricane Nicholas|Nicholas]] (2021), [[Hurricane Julia (2022)|Julia]] (2022), [[Hurricane Lisa (2022)|Lisa]] (2022), [[Hurricane Nicole (2022)|Nicole]] (2022), [[Hurricane Debby (2024)|Debby]] (2024), and [[Hurricane Oscar (2024)|Oscar]] (2024).
{{Clear}}

===Category 2===
{{see also|List of Category 2 Atlantic hurricanes|List of Category 2 Pacific hurricanes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; float:right; margin-left: 1em; width:350px;"
! style="background: #{{Storm colour|cat2}}; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Category&nbsp;2
|-
! Sustained&nbsp;winds
! Most recent landfall
|-
| 43–49&nbsp;m/s<br />83–95&nbsp;kn<br />154–177&nbsp;km/h<br />96–110&nbsp;mph
| style = "font-size: 80%; width:142px" |[[File:Francine 2024-09-11 1746Z.jpg|140px]]<br /> [[Hurricane Francine (2024)|Francine]] in 2024 at landfall near  [[Morgan City, LA|Morgan City, Louisiana]]<!--This image should show the most recent hurricane to both peak and make landfall Category 2 intensity-->
|}

'''''Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage'''''

Storms of Category&nbsp;2 intensity often damage roofing material, sometimes exposing the roof, and inflict damage upon poorly constructed doors and windows. Poorly constructed signs and piers can receive considerable damage and many trees are uprooted or snapped. Mobile homes, whether anchored or not, are typically damaged and sometimes destroyed, and many [[Manufactured housing|manufactured homes]] suffer structural damage. Small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their [[Mooring (watercraft)|moorings]]. Extensive to near-total power outages and scattered loss of potable water are likely, possibly lasting many days.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

Hurricanes that peaked at Category&nbsp;2 intensity and made landfall at that intensity include: <!--This list only includes storms that both peaked and made landfall at Category 2 intensity. Also, please maintain a limit of 20 storms per Saffir-Simpson category, eliminating older and less notable systems as more recent storms make landfall. The reason for maintaining a limit of 20 storms is that as of October 25, 2023, there have been 19 hurricanes that have made landfall while at Category 5 strength in the Atlantic basin and one in the east Pacific, and each category should have the same number of examples to maintain consistency.-->[[Hurricane Alice (June 1954)|Alice]] (1954), [[Hurricane Ella (1958)|Ella]] (1958), [[Hurricane Ginny|Ginny]] (1963), [[Hurricane Fifi–Orlene|Fifi]] (1974), [[Hurricane Diana|Diana]] (1990), [[Hurricane Gert|Gert]] (1993), [[Hurricane Rosa (1994)|Rosa]] (1994), [[Hurricane Erin (1995)|Erin]] (1995), [[Hurricane Alma (1996)|Alma]] (1996), [[Hurricane Marty (2003)|Marty]] (2003), [[Hurricane Juan|Juan]] (2003), [[Hurricane Alex (2010)|Alex]] (2010), [[Hurricane Tomas|Tomas]] (2010), [[Hurricane Carlotta (2012)|Carlotta]] (2012), [[Hurricane Arthur|Arthur]] (2014), [[Hurricane Sally|Sally]] (2020), [[Hurricane Olaf (2021)|Olaf]] (2021), [[Hurricane Rick (2021)|Rick]] (2021), [[Hurricane Agatha|Agatha]] (2022), and [[Hurricane Francine (2024)|Francine]] (2024).
{{Clear}}

=== Category 3 ===

{{See also|List of Category 3 Atlantic hurricanes|List of Category 3 Pacific hurricanes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; float:right; margin-left: 1em; width:350px;"
! style="background: #{{Storm colour|cat3}}; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Category&nbsp;3
|-
! Sustained&nbsp;winds
! Most recent landfall
|-
| 50–58&nbsp;m/s<br />96–112&nbsp;kn<br />178–208&nbsp;km/h<br />111–129&nbsp;mph
| style = "font-size: 80%; width:142px" | [[File:Rafael 2024-11-06 1520Z.jpg|140px]]<br />[[Hurricane Rafael (2024)|Rafael]] in 2024 just prior to its landfall in [[Cuba]]<!--This image should show the most recent hurricane to both peak and make landfall Category 3 intensity-->
|}

'''''Devastating damage will occur'''''

Tropical cyclones of Category&nbsp;3 and higher are described as ''major hurricanes'' in the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific [[Tropical cyclone basins|basins]]. These storms can cause some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, particularly those of wood frame or manufactured materials with minor [[curtain wall (architecture)|curtain wall]] failures. Buildings that lack a solid foundation, such as mobile homes, are usually destroyed, and [[gable]]-end roofs are peeled off.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

Manufactured homes usually sustain severe and irreparable damage. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, while larger structures are struck by floating debris. A large number of trees are uprooted or snapped, isolating many areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland. Near-total to total power loss is likely for up to several weeks. Home water access will likely be lost or contaminated.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

Hurricanes that peaked at Category&nbsp;3 intensity and made landfall at that intensity include: <!--This list only includes storms that both peaked and made landfall at Category 3 intensity. Also, please maintain a limit of 20 storms per Saffir-Simpson category, eliminating older and less notable systems as more recent storms make landfall. The reason for maintaining a limit of 20 storms is that as of October 25, 2023, there have been 19 hurricanes that have made landfall while at Category 5 strength in the Atlantic basin and one in the east Pacific, and each category should have the same number of examples to maintain consistency.-->[[Hurricane Easy (1950)|Easy]] (1950), [[Hurricane Carol|Carol]] (1954), [[Hurricane Hilda (1955)|Hilda]] (1955), [[Hurricane Audrey|Audrey]] (1957), [[1967 Pacific hurricane season#Hurricane Olivia|Olivia]] (1967), [[Hurricane Ella (1970)|Ella]] (1970), [[Hurricane Eloise|Eloise]] (1975), [[Hurricane Alicia|Alicia]] (1983), [[Hurricane Elena|Elena]] (1985), [[Hurricane Roxanne|Roxanne]] (1995), [[Hurricane Fran|Fran]] (1996), [[Hurricane Isidore|Isidore]] (2002), [[Hurricane Jeanne|Jeanne]] (2004), [[Hurricane Lane (2006)|Lane]] (2006), [[Hurricane Karl|Karl]] (2010),<!--Do not add Sandy, it is most remembered for non-tropical impact in Northeast US--> [[Hurricane Otto|Otto]] (2016), [[Hurricane Zeta|Zeta]] (2020),  [[Hurricane Grace|Grace]] (2021), [[Hurricane John (2024)|John]] (2024), and [[Hurricane Rafael (2024)|Rafael]] (2024).
{{Clear}}

===Category 4===
{{See also|List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes|List of Category 4 Pacific hurricanes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; float:right; margin-left: 1em; width:350px;"
! style="background: #{{Storm colour|cat4}}; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Category&nbsp;4
|-
! Sustained&nbsp;winds
! Most recent landfall
|-
| 58–70&nbsp;m/s<br />113–136&nbsp;kn<br />209–251&nbsp;km/h<br />130–156&nbsp;mph
| style="font-size: 80%; width:142px" |  [[File:Helene 2024-09-27 0146Z.jpg|140px]]<br />[[Hurricane Helene|Helene]] in 2024 just prior to its  [[Florida Big Bend]] landfall  <!--This image should show the most recent hurricane to both peak and make landfall Category 4 intensity-->
|}

'''''Catastrophic damage will occur'''''

Category&nbsp;4 hurricanes tend to produce more extensive curtainwall failures, with some complete [[structural failure]] on small residences. Heavy, irreparable damage and near-complete destruction of gas station canopies and other wide span overhang type structures are common. Mobile and manufactured homes are often flattened. Most trees, except for the hardiest, are uprooted or snapped, isolating many areas. These storms cause extensive [[coastal erosion|beach erosion]]. Terrain may be flooded far inland. Total and long-lived electrical and water losses are to be expected, possibly for many weeks.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

The [[1900 Galveston hurricane]], the deadliest natural disaster to hit the United States, peaked at an intensity that corresponds to a modern-day Category&nbsp;4 storm. Other examples of storms that peaked at Category&nbsp;4 intensity and made landfall at that intensity include: <!--This list only includes storms that both peaked and made landfall at Category 4 intensity. Also, please maintain a limit of 20 storms per Saffir-Simpson category, eliminating older and less notable systems as more recent storms make landfall. The reason for maintaining a limit of 20 storms is that as of October 25, 2023, there have been 19 hurricanes that have made landfall while at Category 5 strength in the Atlantic basin and one in the east Pacific, and each category should have the same number of examples to maintain consistency.-->[[Hurricane Hazel|Hazel]] (1954), [[Hurricane Gracie|Gracie]] (1959), [[Hurricane Donna|Donna]] (1960), [[Hurricane Carla|Carla]] (1961), [[Hurricane Flora|Flora]] (1963), [[Hurricane Betsy|Betsy]] (1965), [[Hurricane Celia|Celia]] (1970), [[Hurricane Carmen|Carmen]] (1974), [[Hurricane Madeline (1976)|Madeline]] (1976), [[Hurricane Frederic|Frederic]] (1979), [[Hurricane Joan|Joan]] (1988), [[Hurricane Iniki|Iniki]] (1992), [[Hurricane Charley|Charley]] (2004), [[Hurricane Dennis|Dennis]] (2005), [[Hurricane Ike|Ike]] (2008), [[Hurricane Harvey|Harvey]] (2017), [[Hurricane Laura|Laura]] (2020), [[Hurricane Ida|Ida]] (2021), [[Hurricane Lidia (2023)|Lidia]] (2023), and [[Hurricane Helene|Helene]] (2024). 
{{Clear}}

===Category 5===
{{See also|List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes|List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; float:right; margin-left: 1em; width:350px;"
! style="background: #{{Storm colour|cat5}}; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Category&nbsp;5
|-
! Sustained&nbsp;winds
! Most recent landfall
|-
| ≥ 70&nbsp;m/s<br />≥ 137&nbsp;kn<br />≥ 252&nbsp;km/h<br />≥ 157&nbsp;mph
| style = "font-size: 80%; width:142px" |[[File:Otis 2023-10-25 0430Z.jpg|frameless|200x200px]] [[Hurricane Otis|Otis]] in 2023 nearing its landfall in [[Acapulco]], Mexico
|}

'''''Catastrophic damage will occur'''''

Category&nbsp;5 is the highest category of the Saffir–Simpson scale. These storms cause complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings, and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. The collapse of many wide-span roofs and walls, especially those with no interior supports, is common. Very heavy and irreparable damage to many wood-frame structures and total destruction to mobile/manufactured homes is prevalent.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/> 

Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact, and only if located at least {{convert|3|to|5|mi|km|0}} inland. They include office, condominium and apartment buildings and hotels that are of solid concrete or steel frame construction, multi-story concrete parking garages, and residences that are made of either reinforced brick or [[concrete]]/[[cement]] block and have [[hip roof|hipped roofs]] with slopes of no less than 35&nbsp;degrees from horizontal and no overhangs of any kind, and if the windows are either made of hurricane-resistant safety glass or covered with shutters. Unless most of these requirements are met, the catastrophic destruction of a structure may occur.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

The storm's flooding causes major damage to the lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Many coastal structures can be completely flattened or washed away by the storm surge. Virtually all trees are [[windthrow|uprooted or snapped]] and some may be debarked, isolating most affected communities. Massive [[emergency evacuation|evacuation]] of residential areas may be required if the hurricane threatens populated areas. Total and extremely long-lived power outages and water losses are to be expected, possibly for up to several months.<ref name="NHC SSHS"/>

Historical examples of storms that made landfall at Category&nbsp;5 status include: <!--This list only includes storms that both peaked and made landfall at Category 5 intensity. Also, please maintain a limit of 20 storms per Saffir-Simpson category, eliminating older and less notable systems, after more recent storms make landfall. The reason for maintaining a limit of 20 storms is that as of October 25, 2023, there have been 19 hurricanes that have made landfall while at Category 5 strength in the Atlantic basin, and one in the east Pacific, and each section should have the same number of examples to maintain consistency.-->[[1924 Cuba hurricane|"Cuba"]] (1924), [[1928 Okeechobee hurricane|"Okeechobee"]] (1928), [[1932 Bahamas hurricane|"Bahamas"]] (1932), [[1933 Cuba–Brownsville hurricane|"Cuba–Brownsville"]] (1933), [[1935 Labor Day hurricane|"Labor Day"]] (1935), [[Hurricane Janet|Janet]] (1955), [[Hurricane Inez|Inez]] (1966), [[Hurricane Camille|Camille]] (1969), [[Hurricane Edith (1971)|Edith]] (1971), [[Hurricane Anita|Anita]] (1977), [[Hurricane David|David]] (1979), [[Hurricane Gilbert|Gilbert]] (1988), [[Hurricane Andrew|Andrew]] (1992), [[Hurricane Dean|Dean]] (2007), [[Hurricane Felix|Felix]] (2007), [[Hurricane Irma|Irma]] (2017),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/Image/mkx/pdf/handouts/famous-hurricanes.pdf|title=Famous Hurricanes of the 20th and 21st&nbsp;Century in the United States|website=www.weather.gov/crh/}}</ref> [[Hurricane Maria|Maria]] (2017),<ref name="auto">{{cite report|first=Eric|last=Blake|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|date=September 20, 2017|access-date=September 20, 2017|title=Hurricane Maria Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2017/al15/al152017.update.09200759.shtml}}</ref> [[Hurricane Michael|Michael]] (2018),<ref name="michael tcr">{{cite tech report|author=John L. Beven II|author2=Robbie Berg|author3=Andrew Hagen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=April 19, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2019|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142018_Michael.pdf}}</ref> [[Hurricane Dorian|Dorian]] (2019), and [[Hurricane Otis|Otis]] (2023) (the only Pacific hurricane to make landfall at Category&nbsp;5 intensity).