Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

What determines the different categories of a hurricane: wind speed or barometric pressure?

April 26, 2017Barometric Categories different Hurricane pressure speed wind

0

Posted

What determines the different categories of a hurricane: wind speed or barometric pressure?

1 Answer

0

Posted

The Saffir-Simpson scale rates storms according to their intensity, as measured by the sustained wind speed of the storm. While wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, central air pressure and storm surge are also used to gauge the damage potential of the hurricane. Check out this USA TODAY resource page for more on the history and application of the Saffir-Simpson scale.