The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was developed in 1971 and unveiled to the public in 1973.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was developed in 1971 and unveiled to the public in 1973.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: How hurricanes are rated Hurricanes are rated on a five-point scale – Category 1 to Category 5, referred to as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was developed in 1971 and unveiled to the public in 1973.

How does the Saffir-Simpson scale work? The scale has five categories ranging from Category 1 — with winds from 74 mph to 95 mph to Category 5 — with sustained winds in excess of 155 mph.