Saffir–Simpson scale, 1-minute maximum sustained winds
Category
m/s
knots
mph
km/h
5
≥ 70
≥ 137
≥ 157
≥ 252
4
58–70
113–136
130–156
209–251
3
50–58
96–112
111–129
178–208
2
43–49
83–95
96–110
154–177
1
33–42
64–82
74–95
119–153
TS
18–32
34–63
39–73
63–118
TD
≤ 17
≤ 33
≤ 38
≤ 62
The maximum sustained wind associated with a tropical cyclone is a common
indicator of the intensity of the storm. Within a mature tropical cyclone, it is found within the eyewall at a distance defined as the radius of maximum wind, or RMW. Unlike gusts, the value of these winds are determined via their sampling and averaging the sampled results over a period of time. Wind measuring has been standardized globally to reflect the winds at 10 metres (33 ft) above mean sea level,[nb 1] and the maximum sustained wind represents the highest average wind over either a one-minute (US) or ten-minute time span (see the definition, below), anywhere within the tropical cyclone. Surface winds are highly variable due to friction between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface, as well as near hills and mountains over land.
Over the ocean, satellite imagery determines the value of the maximum sustained winds within a tropical cyclone. Land, ship, aircraft reconnaissance observations, and radar imagery can also estimate this quantity, when available. This value helps determine damage expected from a tropical cyclone, through use of such scales as the Saffir–Simpson scale.
^Simiu, Emil; Vickery, Peter; Kareem, Ahsan (July 2007). "Relation Between Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Wind Speeds and Peak 3-s Gust Speeds Over Open Terrain". Journal of Structural Engineering. Technical Notes. 133 (7). Reston, Virginia: 1043. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2007)133:7(1043).
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