What is the name of the scale used to measure hurricanes?

The name of the scale used to measure hurricanes is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Bob Simpson developed the scale in 1971. It is only used for hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and northern Pacific Ocean.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is based on a hurricane's sustained wind speeds and does not take other factors, such as rain and storm speed, into consideration. It contains five categories, a rating of 1 being the weakest (74 to 95 mph) and 5 the strongest (157 mph or more). Any hurricane that has a rating of 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane with potential for loss of life and property damage.