The Saffir-Simpson Scale
Measuring The Strength of Hurricanes
Developed in 1969 by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and National Hurricane Center director Bob Simpson, the Saffir-Simpson scale measures Atlantic and Northern Pacific Ocean hurricanes according to the now-familiar Category 1 - Category 5 system.
Category 1
Sustained Winds of 74 - 95 mph.
Central pressure of 980 millibars.
Minimal building damage.
Category 2
Sustained Winds of 96 - 110 mph
Central pressure of 965 - 979 millibars.
Damage to roofs, doors and windows.
Category 3
Sustained Winds of 111 - 130 mph.
Central pressure of 945 - 964 millibars
Structural damage to small buildings.
Cateogory 4
Sustained Winds of 131 - 155 mph.
Central pressure of 920 - 944 millibars.
Some wall damage, and roof failure.
Category 5
Sustained Winds of greater than 156 mph.
Central pressure of less than 920 millibars.
Complete failure of residences and commercial buildings.
In spite of the recent television movie, Category Six: Day of Destruction, there is no category 6.