Hurricane Definition

by Laurent Cousineau
(Montreal)

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with a wind velocity greater than 74 miles per hour (it is stronger than a tropical storm).

In order to specify the severity of a hurricane, the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale is used and the range is from Category 1-5.

Category One Hurricane

Sustained winds at 74-95 mph, 64-82 knots, or 119-153 km/hr. In this scenario, there will be very dangerous winds that will produce some damage.

Category Two Hurricane

Sustained winds at 96-110 mph, 83-95 knots, or 154-177 km/hr. These extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.

Category Three Hurricane

Sustained winds at 111-130 mph, 96-113 knots, or 178-209 km/hr. In effect, devastating damage will occur.

Category Four Hurricane

Sustained winds at 131-155 mph, 114-135 knots, or 210-249 km/hr. As a result, catastrophic damage will occur.

Category Five Hurricane

Sustained winds greater than 155 mph, greater than 135 knots, or greater than 249 km/hr. Even more catastrophic damage will occur.

Hurricanes and Climate Change

The increase in frequency and intensity of hurricanes is but one of the several effects of climate change.

In order to prevent hurricanes from causing more devastating damage, we need to do our part to help mitigate climate change before it's too late. We cannot afford to procrastinate any longer.