Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Measuring Hurricane Intensity – The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

MS-ESS3-2

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This NGSS-aligned science reading passage explains how the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to measure the intensity of hurricanes. Students will learn that the scale is based on sustained wind speed and is divided into five categories, from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest). The passage discusses how this information is used in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. Real-world examples, like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Patricia, help readers connect scientific concepts to real events. This resource supports middle school reading comprehension while aligning with NGSS Earth and Space Science standards, especially in topics like natural hazards and weather prediction. Ideal for students exploring weather systems and data interpretation.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Hurricanes are powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters. To help people understand how dangerous a hurricane might be, scientists use a tool called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale measures a hurricane’s intensity based on its sustained wind speeds. The scale helps predict how much damage a hurricane could cause when it reaches land.

The Saffir-Simpson scale has five categories, ranked from Category 1 (the weakest) to Category 5 (the strongest). A Category 1 hurricane has wind speeds between 74 and 95 miles per hour. These storms can cause some damage to trees, power lines, and buildings. At the other end of the scale, a Category 5 hurricane has wind speeds over 157 miles per hour, which can cause catastrophic damage—destroying homes, toppling trees, and cutting off power and water for weeks.

This scale only measures wind speed, not rainfall or storm surge. However, wind speed is important because it helps emergency planners know how strong a storm is likely to be. For example, if a storm is upgraded to a Category 4, emergency officials might issue evacuation orders to keep people safe. Meteorologists use data from satellites, weather planes, and buoys in the ocean to estimate wind speed before the hurricane makes landfall.

In the real world, hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina (2005) and Hurricane Dorian (2019) were Category 5 storms that caused severe destruction. These examples show how the Saffir-Simpson scale helps communities prepare for disasters. Knowing a storm’s category can save lives and reduce damage by giving people time to take action.

The Saffir-Simpson scale is an essential tool in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. It helps scientists, government leaders, and families make informed decisions before a hurricane strikes.

Fun Fact: Hurricane Patricia (2015) was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere, with wind speeds reaching 215 mph—far beyond the highest category on the scale!

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale based on?

Rainfall amountWind speedTemperatureWave height

How many categories are on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

3456

What wind speed range defines a Category 1 hurricane?

74–95 mph96–110 mph111–129 mph130–156 mph

What happens during a Category 5 hurricane?

Minimal damageTrees bend slightlyCatastrophic damageRoads stay open

Why do scientists use the Saffir-Simpson scale?

To name hurricanesTo measure ocean temperaturesTo predict hurricane damageTo study climate change

What data helps estimate a hurricane’s wind speed?

ThermometersBuoys and satellitesRain gaugesTornado detectors