Which scale is used to measure the intensity of a hurricane? Explained
Which scale is used to measure the intensity of a hurricane?
Answer:
The intensity of a hurricane is primarily measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale helps categorize hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds, providing insights into the potential damage and flooding that the hurricane might cause.
How the Saffir-Simpson Scale Works:
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Categories:
- The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5.
- Each category represents increasing levels of wind strength and the corresponding impact.
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Wind Speed:
- Category 1: Winds are 74-95 mph. These hurricanes can cause minor damage to homes and vegetation.
- Category 2: Winds are 96-110 mph. There can be extensive damage to roofs, windows, and larger trees.
- Category 3 (Major Hurricane): Winds are 111-129 mph. There is devastating damage to homes and severe tree damage.
- Category 4: Winds are 130-156 mph. Catastrophic damage occurs to well-built homes, and most trees are snapped or uprooted.
- Category 5: Winds exceed 157 mph. High percentage of homes destroyed, total roof failure is common, and significant flooding is expected.
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Understanding Impact:
- Category 1 and 2: Typically, these storms may cause power outages and minor injuries due to debris.
- Category 3 and above: These are considered major hurricanes and usually require evacuation from certain areas due to life-threatening damage.
Why Is This Scale Important?
- Preparedness: It helps governments and individuals prepare for hurricanes by predicting the kind of impact to expect.
- Resource Allocation: Emergency services can allocate resources and manpower efficiently by understanding the storm’s potential severity.
Summary: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is crucial for measuring a hurricane’s intensity, focusing on wind speed categories from 1 to 5 to predict potential damage and necessary safety measures.