Latest news with #Saffir-SimpsonHurricaneWindScale
CBS News
30-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Understanding storm and hurricane categories: Why wind speed isn't the whole story
Tropical systems begin as tropical depressions, which are areas of low pressure with wind speeds of up to 38 miles per hour. When those winds strengthen and reach between 39 and 73 miles per hour, the system is upgraded to a tropical storm, at which point it receives a name from that year's official storm list. Once a tropical storm's wind speed hits 74 mph or more, it becomes a hurricane and is categorized using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5 based solely on sustained wind speed. Saffir-Simpson Scale: A breakdown of hurricane categories Category 1 hurricanes are considered the weakest on the scale, with wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph. These storms can produce 3 to 4 feet of storm surge, down small trees, and cause moderate damage to roofs and siding. Category 2 hurricanes have wind speeds between 96 and 110 mph, bringing 5 to 8 feet of storm surge. They are strong enough to uproot larger trees, damage homes more severely, and block roadways with debris and flooding. Once a storm reaches 111 mph, it is classified as a major hurricane — a designation that includes Category 3 to Category 5 storms. Category 3 hurricanes range from 111 to 129 mph and can produce storm surges up to 10 to 12 feet, causing significant structural damage and widespread power outages. Category 4 hurricanes have wind speeds of 130 to 156 mph, with storm surges reaching 13 to 18 feet. These storms can make large areas uninhabitable for extended periods. Category 5 hurricanes, the strongest classification, have winds of 157 mph or greater. With storm surge exceeding 18 feet, these catastrophic storms often leave behind widespread devastation and long-term displacement. The Saffir-Simpson Scale doesn't tell the full story Despite its usefulness in measuring wind intensity, the Saffir-Simpson Scale does not account for storm surge, rainfall, flooding or the size and speed of the storm. These variables can dramatically alter the impact of a storm, regardless of its category. For example, a slow-moving Category 1 hurricane may dump more rain and cause more flooding than a fast-moving Category 3. Similarly, a large Category 2 storm could push more water inland than a small Category 4. As a storm approaches, the NEXT Weather team goes beyond the category to provide detailed forecasts. They monitor all factors — storm size, forward speed, surge potential, and rainfall risk — to help viewers understand how any given storm may affect their specific area. When a tropical system is on the horizon, remember: wind speed is only one piece of the puzzle.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Hurricane Season Forecast Update With 2025 La Nina Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Forecasters at AccuWeather have issued an updated projection for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Why It Matters The forecast raises concerns about the potential for another year of damaging storms, including some that may rapidly intensify before landfall. It pointed to signs that include continued warm ocean temperatures and the possibility of La Niña returning, which historically encourages more Atlantic hurricanes. AccuWeather projects that three to six storms will directly impact the United States—the same number as during the 2024 season, which chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter described as "one of the most destructive and expensive hurricane seasons in modern history." In this AccuWeather graphic, ocean temperatures are shown as of May 20, 2025. In this AccuWeather graphic, ocean temperatures are shown as of May 20, 2025. AccuWeather What To Know Sea-surface temperatures across the Atlantic Ocean are currently well above average, according to AccuWeather's analysis. "They're not quite as high as what we saw last year and in 2023, but they're still well, well above average," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said in a media advisory. Waters here, as well as the Gulf and Caribbean, are expected to remain warm throughout most of the season, the forecast said. The high temperatures and deep ocean heat content—a measure of how far warm water extends below the surface—could create optimal conditions for storm intensification. "A rapid intensification of storms will likely be a major story yet again this year," DaSilva said. Meteorologists at the outlet are also monitoring the possibility of La Niña conditions developing during the second half of the season. While neutral conditions are expected early in the summer, a transition to La Niña could spike tropical activity by fall. "If we trend towards this La Niña late in the hurricane season, we could see an active end to the hurricane season similar to what we saw last year," DaSilva said. AccuWeather's El Niño and La Niña forecast for 2025. AccuWeather's El Niño and La Niña forecast for 2025. AccuWeather AccuWeather's analysis of analog years—previous hurricane seasons with similar weather patterns—includes 2017 and 2023, both of which featured several high-impact storms, including Harvey and Irma. For 2025, the outlet is predicting between 13 and 18 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes. It also forecasts between three major hurricanes that reach a strength of Category 3 or above on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale—meaning sustained winds between 111 and 129 mph. What People Are Saying AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: "Similar to last year, northern and eastern portions of the Gulf Coast and the Carolinas are at a higher-than-average risk of direct impacts this season. "Atlantic Canada and the northeastern Caribbean are also at an increased risk of direct impacts. We're urging people in the northeastern Caribbean, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to be prepared and pay close attention to hurricane season forecasts this year." An AccuWeather graphic highlights tropical storm and hurricane landfall locations in analog years. An AccuWeather graphic highlights tropical storm and hurricane landfall locations in analog years. AccuWeather What Happens Next The season officially begins June 1 and ends November 30, with peak activity typically around September 10. AccuWeather experts say that 2025 could see a fast start with conditions favorable for storm formation in June, followed by a midseason lull and then a busy final stretch.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Means, And What It Doesn't
From grocery stores to neighborhoods, a hurricane's category might be among the most discussed aspects of a threatening storm. Those categories are based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is one tool for assessing the intensity of a hurricane, but it's important to know what it means in terms of wind impacts, as well as what it doesn't mean. Let's break it down. -What It Measures: As the name implies, the current version is strictly a wind scale that rates a hurricane's sustained winds (not gusts) from Category 1 through 5. For a storm to reach the Category 1 threshold, its winds must be at least 74 mph. Major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher on the scale, have winds above 110 mph. Rare Category 5 hurricanes pack maximum winds of 157 mph or higher. -What It Doesn't Measure: Storm surge, flooding rainfall or tornado impacts. Storm surge was previously quantified by the categories, but that was eliminated in 2010 given the complex nature of that particular impact. -Damage Type By Category: In general, wind damage rises by about a factor of four for every category increase. According to the National Hurricane Center, that ranges from "some damage" in a Category 1 to "extensive damage" in a Category 2, "devastating damage" in a Category 3 and "catastrophic damage" in Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. -History Shows You Should Not Focus Just On The Wind Category: That's because water-related impacts like storm surge and flooding rainfall, not wind, are historically deadlier impacts. 85% of deaths from tropical cyclones in the U.S. have historically been caused by rainfall flooding, storm surge, rip currents, high surf and marine incidents, based on National Hurricane Center 2013-23 statistics. -Storm Surge Lesson Learned: Hurricane Ike in 2008 made landfall in Texas as a Category 2, but packed a much higher storm surge than you might suspect a hurricane of that wind intensity could produce. That's because it was very large, allowing it to build up storm surge heights of 15 to 20 feet, which then leveled most structures on Texas's Bolivar Peninsula. -Flooding Rainfall Lessons Learned: Tropical storms can create more rainfall flood damage than major Category 3-plus hurricanes in some cases. Tropical Storm Imelda in September 2019 produced over 30 inches of rain in southeast Texas, triggering widespread flooding. The damage estimate was $6.2 billion (2025 dollars), according to NOAA. Another famous example is Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, which caused massive flooding in southeast Texas, including Houston, resulting in $15.1 billion (2025 dollars) in damage and killing 43 people. -Category 5 Hurricanes Are Rare: There have been just 42 recorded in the Atlantic Basin since 1924, according to NOAA's historical database. It's even rarer to have two in a season like we saw in 2024 with Beryl in the Caribbean in July, and Milton in the Gulf in October. -Where Did The Scale Come From? It first came into use more than 50 years ago and is named for its developers, Herbert Saffir, a consulting engineer who lived in Florida, and Dr. Robert Simpson, who was then director of the National Hurricane Center. The earliest published versions of the scale date to 1972. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Was there a tornado in Michigan? No confirmation, wind gusts reach 75 mph
Michigan saw dangerous winds from a strong band of storms that swept through the state overnight on Thursday, May 15, into Friday morning, May 16, including a report at the Battle Creek Executive Airport of 75-mph gusts. The thunderstorms caused power outages across the state, with more than 250,000 customers affected, according to power outage maps. Update: Consumers Energy says some power will be out for days. 2 tornadoes confirmed in Michigan Officials also issued tornado warnings across at least 16 counties in the Lower Peninsula. NWS officials have not yet issued confirmation on whether tornadoes touched down in Michigan. The weather service said there may have been several "weak" tornadoes during the storms. Winds were strong enough to topple trees, and damage to houses. Friday night forecast: Thousands are dealing with power outages. Michigan could face more storms Statewide, sustained winds were clocked as high as 40 mph or more. Battle Creek saw the strongest winds, with 75 mph gusts and 47 mph sustained winds. Here's more on wind speeds across Michigan, according to the National Weather Service: According to the NWS, here are the highest observed winds on May 15: Grand Rapids: Highest wind speed: 44 mph Highest gust speed: 61 mph Lansing: Highest wind speed: 44 mph Highest gust speed: 61 mph Muskegon: Highest wind speed: 39 mph Highest gust speed: 63 mph Kalamazoo: Highest wind speed: 44 mph Highest gust speed: 66 mph Battle Creek: Highest wind speed: 47 mph Highest gust speed: 75 mph Holland: Highest wind speed: 21 mph Highest gust speed: 35 mph Jackson: Highest wind speed: 24 mph Highest gust speed: 38 mph Detroit: Highest wind speed: 15 mph Highest gust speed: 22 mph Flint: Highest wind speed: 37 mph Highest gust speed: 59 mph Saginaw: Highest wind speed: 37 mph Highest gust speed: 49 mph Alpena: Highest wind speed: 23 mph Highest gust speed: 32 mph Houghton Lake: Highest wind speed: 24 mph Highest gust speed: 41 mph Sault Ste. Marie: Highest wind speed: 17 mph Highest gust speed: 27 mph Traverse City: Highest wind speed: 26 mph Highest gust speed: 39 mph Marquette: Highest gust speed: 25 mph Tornado confirmation is underway in Michigan as residents send in videos or photo from late on May 15, and as officials work to make distinctions. "NWS survey crews will fan out to make tornado determinations over the next day or two. Our best estimate is that Michigan may have had 5-10 weak tornadoes during last night's event," Great Lakes Weather and Climate said on Facebook Michigan Storm Chasers said lower Michigan may have seen 10-15 or more tornadoes in a Facebook post. According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (a wind scale from 1-5) from the NWS, here's estimations of damage based on sustained wind speed: Very dangerous; 74-95 mph: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. Extremely dangerous; 96-110 mph: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. Devastating damage; 111-129 mph: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. Catastrophic damage; 130-156 mph: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Catastrophic damage; 157 mph or higher: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Was there a tornado in Michigan? NWS says maybe. Winds topped 75 mph
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's Hurricane Preparedness Week. Here's how to get ready
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways NEW YORK – Sunday kicked off Hurricane Preparedness Week , which raises awareness of the hazards posed by hurricanes as the start of the Atlantic hurricane season looms. President Donald Trump has urged Americans to prepare for hurricanes as the official start of the Atlantic season is less than a month away. In a proclamation dated Monday , the president designated May 4-10 as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The Atlantic hurricane season spans June 1 to Nov. 30, while the Eastern Pacific season starts earlier on May 15. Although tropical cyclones can technically develop outside these periods due to favorable conditions, over 97% of Atlantic activity occurs within this six-month timeframe. 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Guide: Here's What To Know About The Tropics This Year With the help of FOX Weather, along with FEMA and Noaa, you can take action now to be better prepared for when the worst happens. With this helpful information, you can understand your hurricane risk and begin your preseason preparations. According to NOAA, the first step in preparing for hurricanes is knowing your risk. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem, so you need to know what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Why Is The Right Side Of A Hurricane More Dangerous? Hurricanes may only be rated by their sustained wind on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, but it's important not to overlook the power of water when a tropical cyclone is bearing down on the U.s. Water is the No. 1 killer during a hurricane or tropical storm that strikes the U.S., comprising nearly 90% of all tropical cyclone deaths, mostly by drowning in storm surge , rainfall flooding or high surf. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it's too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. During a natural disaster, it may be necessary to survive on your own for several days. A stockpile of emergency supplies can help you make it through the crisis until normalcy is restored. According to FEMA, you should at least have an emergency supply of food and water that can last for several days. Click here for a list from FEMA of the supplies every emergency supply kit should include. FEMA has more guidance about where and how you should store your kit at . According to NOAA, understanding hurricane forecasts is a key part of preparation. These forecasts provide crucial details about a storm's projected path, potential rainfall, wind speeds and other vital information. With significant information available days in advance, learning how to interpret these forecasts empowers you to make informed decisions. Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app to get the updates you need, straight from America's Weather team in our extensive Hurricane HQ coverage. Stay informed with hurricane alerts, forecasts and expert tips to safeguard you and your family. Here Are The Buzzwords You'll Be Hearing During Hurricane Season It's also a good idea to sign up for local alerts and download the free FEMA app . Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? NOAA warns that you should prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence. You'll want to secure your property by covering windows and doors and bringing in loose items. Additionally, create a shelter plan that includes your pets, prepare a go-bag with necessary medications and supplies, ensure your phone and vehicle are charged, assist vulnerable neighbors and always follow evacuation orders. The Florida Department of Emergency Management has created an interactive map where visitors and residents can type in an address to see if their home or business is in an evacuation zone and find the nearest exit route. Know Your Zone: Florida Evacuation Map Shows Who Will Have To Leave Before A Hurricane Strikes The evacuation routes are meant to help guide residents to safer locations and away from threats that coastal cities such as Jacksonville , Miami , Sarasota , Fort Myers , Tampa and Pensacola can face during a storm. Knowing what to do during a storm could be the difference between life and death. Whether you've evacuated or are sheltering in place, NOAA stresses you should know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts and continue to listen to local officials. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season will be Andrea, followed by Barry, Chantal and newcomer Dexter. The name Dexter replaces Hurricane Dorian , which was retired after the 2019 season. Why Florida's Gulf Coast Is Susceptible To A Hurricane's Storm Surge Click here for the remaining 2025 hurricane names with pronunciations. NOAA said a key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm, from heat and downed power lines to floodwaters and more. "This is NOT the time to put your guard down," the agency said. "Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm." Original article source: It's Hurricane Preparedness Week. Here's how to get ready
