Category Sustained Wind Speed Storm Classification Tropical Depression Less than 39 mph (63 km/h) Organized showers and thunderstorms with low pressure Tropical Storm 39 to 73 mph (63 to 118 km/h) Named storm with defined circulation Category 1 Hurricane 74 to 95 mph (119 to 153 km/h) Very dangerous winds will produce some damage Category 2 Hurricane 96 to 110 mph (154 to 177 km/h) Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage Category 3+ Hurricane 111 mph or higher (179 km/h or higher) Devastating damage will occur Measurement and Dynamics The wind speed of a tropical storm is measured using a method that averages the velocity over a one-minute period at a height of 10 meters (about 33 feet) above the ground or water surface.
Tropical Storm Wind Speed Damage Potential and What to Expect
The defining characteristic of this phase is the range of its sustained wind speeds, which meteorologists use to categorize the system's severity. Defining the Tropical Storm Wind Speed Range The term "tropical storm" refers to a specific intensity level within the spectrum of tropical cyclones.
Storm surge, although typically associated with hurricanes, can also occur with strong tropical storms, pushing walls of water ashore that overwhelm coastal infrastructure. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale To standardize measurements and communicate risk effectively, the meteorological community relies on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Tropical Storm Wind Speed Damage Potential
These velocities are sufficient to snap tree limbs, overturn unsecured objects, and cause significant damage to roofs, siding, and fencing. Understanding the wind speed of a tropical storm is essential for grasping the power and potential impact of these meteorological events.
These systems derive their energy from warm ocean waters, and as they organize, they begin to exhibit the characteristic rotating winds that signal a mature tropical cyclone.
More About What is the wind speed of a tropical storm
More perspective on What is the wind speed of a tropical storm can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
