FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)MeteorologyMedium
A tropical cyclone advisory reports maximum sustained surface winds of 115 knots. Using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, into which category does this storm fall?
- ACategory 5
- BCategory 2
- CCategory 4
- DCategory 3
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Category 4
The Saffir-Simpson scale classifies Category 4 hurricanes as having sustained winds of 113-136 knots. A wind speed of 115 knots falls within this range, placing the storm in Category 4.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Category 5 requires sustained winds of 137 knots or greater.
- B. Category 2 covers 83-95 knots, too low for 115 knots.
- D. Category 3 covers 96-112 knots, just below the reported speed.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
A 5-category scale classifying hurricane intensity based on maximum sustained wind speed, used to estimate potential damage.
- Category 1: 64-82 kt
- Category 3: 96-112 kt (major hurricane threshold)
- Category 5: 137 kt or greater
Memory trick: 1-2 minor, 3-5 major: '96 and up gets rough.'