The Saffir-Simpson scale is used to measure which natural occurrence?
Saffir–Simpson scale Saffir–Simpson scale The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS), formerly the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale (SSHS), classifies hurricanesWestern Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical stormsinto five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. To be classified as a hurricane, a tropical cyclone must have one-minute maximum sustained winds of at least (Category 1). The highest classification in the scale, Category 5, consists of storms with sustained winds over . The classifications can provide some indication of the potential damage and flooding a hurricane will cause upon landfall. Officially, the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale is
Saffir–Simpson scale (2008), Joaquin (2015), Harvey (2017), and Michael (2018). Catastrophic damage will occur Category 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. 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. Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact, and only if located at least inland. They include