How does the Beaufort wind scale compare to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale?
The Beaufort wind scale measures wind speeds from calm (force 0) to 74 mph (force 12, hurricane strength). The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on the hurricane’s present intensity and estimates of the potential property damage and expected flooding. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, which ranges from Category 1 (74 to 95 mph) to Category 5 (greater than 155 mph). An Ask the Expert question from earlier this year has more about the history of the Beaufort wind scale. This National Hurricane Center page has more details about the Saffir-Simpson scale.
