Saffir-Simpson Scale – Hurricaneville

After a hurricane goes through its stages and matures, it still can intensify to certain sizes and strengths. Much like that of humans once they’re adults. This all depends on the right environmental factors and whether or not it is near land. The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a way to indicate the strength of these storms by their sustained wind speed, and central barometric pressure.

Footage of the rising waters along Raritan Bay in South Amboy’s Waterfront Park as Hurricane Irene approached in late August 2011.

Category/Classification	Winds (mph)	Pressure (in. of Hg)	Damage
Category One Hurricane	74-95 mph	>=28.94 in. of Hg.	Minimal Damage
Category Two Hurricane	96-110 mph	28.50-28.91 in. of Hg	Significant Damage
Category Three Hurricane	111-129 mph	27.91-28.47 in. of Hg	Severe Damage
Category Four Hurricane	130-156 mph	27.17-27.88 in. of Hg	Extreme Damage
Category Five Hurricane	>156 mph	<27.17 in.of Hg	Catastrophic Damage

Table 1: The Saffir-Simpson Scale