| Saffir-Simpson Scale |
This scale was developed in an effort to estimate the possible damage a hurricane's sustained winds and storm surge could do to a coastal area. The scale of numbers are based on actual conditions at some time during the life of the storm. As the hurricane intensifies or weakens, the scale number is reassessed accordingly. The following table shows the scale broken down by central pressure, winds, and storm surge:
| Category | Central Pressure (mb) | Wind Speed (mph) | Storm Surge (ft.) | Damage | | 1 | 980 or > | 74 - 95 | 4 - 5 | Minimal | | 2 | 965 - 979 | 96 - 110 | 6 - 8 | Moderate | | 3 | 945 - 964 | 111 - 130 | 9 - 12 | Extensive | | 4 | 920 - 944 | 131 - 155 | 13 - 18 | Extreme | | 5 | < 920 | > 155 | > 18 | Catastrophic | |