Tropical system, Hurricane and tornado wind speeds defined

Wind Speeds defining Tropical Systems

 

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

Winds of 20-34 knots

38 mph or less

TROPICAL STORM

Winds of 35-64 knots

39 to 73 mph

HURRICANE:

Category 1: Winds of 64-82 knots

74-95 mph

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

 

Category 2:

Winds of 83-95 knots

96-110 mph

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

 

Category 3:

Winds of 96-113 knots

111-129 mph

Devastating damage will occur

 

Category 4:

Winds of 114 to 135 knots

130-156 mph

Catastrophic damage will occur

 

Category 5:

Winds above 135 knots

157 mph

Catastrophic damage will occur

 

TORNADOES

Hurricanes often spawn small tornadoes. Tornadoes are ranked in the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale according to wind speed.

EF-0: 65-85 mph winds

EF-1: 86-110 mph winds

EF-2: 111-135 mph winds

EF-3: 136-165 mph winds

EF-4: 166-200 mph winds

EF-5: 200 mph and above winds