Hurricanes are measured using a scale called the Saffir- Simpson scale, a 1–5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. The scale estimates potential damage.
Saffir-Simpson scale Category
1 2
3 (major) 4 (major)
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Simpson scale Key Word
Saffir-
Sustained Winds Damage 119–153 km/h 154–177 km/h 178–208 km/h 209–251 km/h
Very dangerous winds; will produce some damage Extremely dangerous winds; will cause extensive damage Devastating damage will occur. Catastrophic damage will occur.
5 (major) 252 km/h or higher Catastrophic damage will occur. Being numerate:
Draw the Saffir-Simpson scale as a bar chart in your copy. Label the x-axis ‘Categories 1–5’. Label the y-axis ‘Sustained Winds’. (You can choose either the lowest or highest recorded wind speeds.)
1. Explain what severe weather is. 2. Name two examples of severe weather. 3. Briefly explain how hurricanes form. 4. Research online why the scale used to measure hurricanes is called the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Case Study: Hurricane Matthew, 2016
Hurricane Matthew was a Category 5 hurricane that caused catastrophic damage in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic and widespread damage and power outages along the southeastern coast of the United States in 2016. As a direct result of the hurricane, 586 people lost their lives across these regions.
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Severe Weather
Fun Fact!
The diameter of the hurricane is measured from one side to the other. Hurricanes can have a diameter of over 900 km.
