The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates only wind speed, and leaves out surge, flooding and tornadoes

Background

Hurricane Isaias came ashore on the United States Gulf coast on 9 October 2026 as a category 2 storm, a rating given on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, so the scale itself is worth knowing. The National Hurricane Center describes the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale as a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes. The scale estimates potential property damage. While all hurricanes produce life-threatening winds, hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher are known as major hurricanes, which can cause devastating to catastrophic wind damage and significant loss of life. Hurricanes of all categories can produce deadly storm surge, rain-induced floods, and tornadoes, and these hazards require people to take protective action, including evacuating from areas vulnerable to storm surge. In the western North Pacific, the term super typhoon is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.