Hurricane Categories Explained: The Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale From Category 1 to 5
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of the National Hurricane Center's Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale page, checked October 29, 2026. During a storm, follow the NHC and your local officials.
What the scale measures
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 scale based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. It estimates potential property damage from wind.
What it leaves out: the scale does not account for storm surge, rainfall flooding or tornadoes. The NHC stresses that hurricanes of every category can produce deadly storm surge, rain-driven floods and tornadoes, so a "low" category doesn't mean a safe storm.
The five categories
| Category | Sustained winds | Expected wind damage (NHC summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74–95 mph (119–153 km/h) | Very dangerous winds, some damage. Roofs, shingles, siding and gutters damaged. Large branches snap. Power outages could last a few to several days |
| 2 | 96–110 mph (154–177 km/h) | Extremely dangerous, extensive damage. Major roof and siding damage. Many trees snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. Near-total power loss for days to weeks |
| 3 (major) | 111–129 mph (178–208 km/h) | Devastating damage. Roof decking and gable ends may be removed. Electricity and water unavailable for days to weeks |
| 4 (major) | 130–156 mph (209–251 km/h) | Catastrophic damage. Loss of most of the roof and some walls. Outages for weeks to possibly months |
| 5 (major) | 157 mph or higher (252 km/h+) | Catastrophic damage. A high percentage of framed homes destroyed. The area may be uninhabitable for weeks or months |
What "major hurricane" means
The NHC calls Category 3 and higher major hurricanes. They can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life from wind alone. In the western North Pacific, the term "super typhoon" is used for storms with sustained winds over 150 mph.
Using it well
- Pay attention to storm surge and flood forecasts and evacuation orders, not just the category.
- Coastal flooding can come with any storm. See king tides and high tide flooding and beach warning flags.
- Keep phones charged for Wireless Emergency Alerts, and think about backup power for essential devices.