As per Saffir- Simpson Scale Hurricane Irene Downgraded to Category 1
The Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was developed by Civil engineer Herbert Saffir and the metreologist Bob Simpson the director of the National Hurricane Center in 1971. This scale is used to rate the intensity of a hurricane.
This scale is helpful to measure the strength of a hurricane and can be classified from category one to five. The Saffir Simpson Scale also gives an estimate of the property damage a hurricane can cause and the flooding that is expected with the hurricane.
As per the scale, the Category 1 hurricane should sustain winds 74-95 mph, 64-82 kt, or 119-153 km/hr. Hurricane Irene that has hit U.S falls in Category 1 according to the scale and very dangerous winds can produce damage.
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