Weather Definitions
Hurricane
The largest storm system on the planet, it's the most powerful tropical system
with winds of 74 mph or more.
Saffir-Simpson Damage Scale
Wind Speeds Storm Surge
Category 1 74-95 mph 4-5 Feet
Category 2 96-110 mph 6-8 Feet
Category 3 111-130 mph 9-12 Feet
Category 4: 131-155 mph 13-18 Feet
Category 5 156+ mph More than 18 Feet
Tropical Depression
A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near the surface of less than
39 mph
Tropical Storm
Tropical cyclone with 39 to 73 mph sustained winds; it's just one step below
hurricane status.
Tropical Wave
A disturbance moving off the western coast of Africa toward the Caribbean and
eastern North American coastal regions which may eventually develop into a
hurricane.
The largest storm system on the planet, it's the most powerful tropical system
with winds of 74 mph or more.
Saffir-Simpson Damage Scale
Wind Speeds Storm Surge
Category 1 74-95 mph 4-5 Feet
Category 2 96-110 mph 6-8 Feet
Category 3 111-130 mph 9-12 Feet
Category 4: 131-155 mph 13-18 Feet
Category 5 156+ mph More than 18 Feet
Tropical Depression
A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near the surface of less than
39 mph
Tropical Storm
Tropical cyclone with 39 to 73 mph sustained winds; it's just one step below
hurricane status.
Tropical Wave
A disturbance moving off the western coast of Africa toward the Caribbean and
eastern North American coastal regions which may eventually develop into a
hurricane.
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