Saffir Simpson Category From Wind Lookup

Saffir–Simpson1-minute wind category thresholds64/83/96/113/137knots, below hurricane threshold0; no surge/rain/total hazard. Caller independently establishes matching units, evidence, method edition and applicability; output is not compliance, diagnosis, work-safety approval, geological identity or validated hazard prediction.

Description

The Saffir–Simpson scale categorizes hurricane wind intensity using maximum sustained one-minute winds.

The Saffir–Simpson scale categorizes hurricane wind intensity using maximum sustained one-minute winds.^{[1, 2]}

Wind categories do not describe storm surge, rainfall or the full hazard at a location.

When to use Saffir Simpson Category From Wind Lookup

Use this tool to calculate or review the supplied observations under the stated rules. Establish the observation method, units, averaging period and applicable reference or calibration.

How to use Saffir Simpson Category From Wind Lookup and understand its results

Establish the observation method, units, averaging period and applicable reference or calibration.
Enter independentOneMinuteMaximumWindKnots, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
Read saffirSimpsonWindCategory, using the output meanings and calculation rules below.
Correct any reported input issue and run again. Before using a successful result, check the stated units, signs, reference scope and observation coverage.

Input field	Meaning	Value type	Requirement
independentOneMinuteMaximumWindKnots	Independently established maximum one-minute sustained wind in knots; nonnegative	number	Required

Enter a nonnegative finite maximum one-minute sustained wind in knots. Return zero below 64; otherwise return category 1 below 83, 2 below 96, 3 below 113, 4 below 137, or 5 at and above 137. Threshold equality enters the higher category, and fractional winds are accepted.

category=0 if wind<64; 1 if 64≤wind<83; 2 if 83≤wind<96; 3 if 96≤wind<113; 4 if 113≤wind<137; 5 if wind≥137

Use the matching field units and the exact boundary, ordering and reference rules above.

Output field	Meaning	Value type
saffirSimpsonWindCategory	Integer 1–5 wind category; zero means below 64 knots	number

json

{
  "input": {
    "independentOneMinuteMaximumWindKnots": 100
  },
  "output": {
    "saffirSimpsonWindCategory": 3
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

Zero means below hurricane wind category, not a separate official Saffir–Simpson category. The tool does not reconcile different wind averaging periods, gusts, surge or rainfall.

Missing required fields, unknown fields, wrong types and violated rules return input issues. Numeric values and outputs must be finite.

Alternative or Complementary methods

For a related step, use Eyewall Replacement Cycle Duration Lookup: Eyewall replacement durations depend on how the cycle's beginning and end are defined. For a complementary comparison, use Lightning Flash Density Per KM2 Year Lookup: Lightning flash density is a count normalized by observed area and time.

References

Saffir Simpson Category From Wind Lookup — tool.io
Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale — National Hurricane Center

Similar or alternative tools

Eyewall Replacement Cycle Duration Lookup
Eyewall replacement durations depend on how the cycle's beginning and end are defined.
Lightning Flash Density Per KM2 Year Lookup
Lightning flash density is a count normalized by observed area and time.