Keys | How are hurricanes measured?

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane (the highest) on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, is currently moving toward Jamaica. Landfall is expected in the next few hours, making it the world's largest storm of the year. But how are hurricanes categorized?

- What is the Saffir-Simpson wind scale?

This scale divides hurricanes according to their wind speeds, from 1 to 5. The measurement system is used to determine the potential impact level of a hurricane.

Damage measured by this scale increases by a factor of four with each category increase, and it classifies maximum sustained wind speeds. This measurement system does not include related hazards such as storm surge or flooding caused by rain.

All hurricanes pose a threat to life, but those of Category 3 or higher are considered major hurricanes.

- What are the divisions?

Category 1 : 119–153 kilometers per hour, very dangerous winds that will cause some damage.

Category 2 : 154–177 kilometers per hour, extremely dangerous winds that will cause extensive damage.

Category 3 : 178–208 kilometers per hour, devastating damage will occur.

Category 4 : 209–251 kilometers per hour, catastrophic damage will occur.

Category 5 : 252 kilometers per hour or more, this is the deadliest type.

- How fast is ‘Melissa’?

Gusts of up to 300 kilometers per hour have been recorded, placing the hurricane at the highest point on the Saffir-Simpson scale. For reference, Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans, USA, in 2005 and left nearly 1,400 dead, was a Category 4. In 2017, Hurricane Ophelia, a Category 3 and the most powerful to ever approach Europe, helped fuel the wildfires in Asturias and Galicia that year.