Wind Speed to Damage Category Converter
Enter a wind speed to determine its damage category across the Beaufort Scale, Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and Enhanced Fujita (EF) Tornado Scale.
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Formulas & Conversions
Unit conversions:
- mph → km/h: multiply by 1.60934
- mph → m/s: multiply by 0.44704
- mph → knots: multiply by 0.868976
Beaufort Scale — WMO scale (Force 0–12) based on observed wind effects at sea and on land. Thresholds defined in mph: 0–1, 1–3, 4–7, 8–12, 13–18, 19–24, 25–31, 32–38, 39–46, 47–54, 55–63, 64–72, ≥73.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale — NOAA/NHC 1-minute sustained wind speed (mph): TD <39, TS 39–73, Cat 1 74–95, Cat 2 96–110, Cat 3 111–129, Cat 4 130–156, Cat 5 ≥157.
Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale — NOAA 3-second gust speed (mph): EF0 65–85, EF1 86–110, EF2 111–135, EF3 136–165, EF4 166–200, EF5 ≥201.
Assumptions & References
- Beaufort Scale thresholds follow the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard.
- Saffir-Simpson thresholds are based on 1-minute sustained winds as defined by NOAA/NHC.
- Enhanced Fujita Scale thresholds are based on 3-second gust speeds as defined by NOAA/SPC (2007 revision).
- The EF Scale was designed for tornado damage assessment; applying it to straight-line winds is for reference only.
- The Saffir-Simpson Scale applies specifically to tropical cyclones; it is shown here as a wind-speed reference only.
- Input is assumed to represent a steady or sustained wind speed unless otherwise noted.
- References: WMO No. 8 (CIMO Guide); NOAA NHC Saffir-Simpson Scale; NOAA SPC Enhanced Fujita Scale.