Several scales of intensity have been developed, one of the first being the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, which was devised in the in the early 1970s. This scale—created by American engineer Herbert Saffir and American meteorologist Robert Simpson (director of the National Hurricane Center from 1968 to 1973)—is based on speed, and the rankings, represented by categories 1 through 5, take into account the damage and other ground-level effects produced by different wind speeds. The Saffir-Simpson scale, which is used primarily in the and eastern , is given in the table.Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale*category wind speed damage mph km/hr *Used to rank tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea) and the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Published by permission of Herbert Saffir, consulting engineer, Robert Simpson, meteorologist, and the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1 74–95 119–153 Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days. 2 96–110 154–177 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. 3 111–129 178–208 Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. 4 130–156 209–251 Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. 5 >157 >252 Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Tracks and frequency of tropical cyclones and tropical storms(more)Similar five-tiered scales are used to rank tropical cyclones occurring near and in the northern . The Australian scale of cyclone intensity and cyclone categories, used by a consortium of national in the southwestern Pacific, and the cyclone categories scale for the northern Indian Ocean, used by the India Meteorological Department, are given in the table and the list, respectively., This scale—created by American engineer Herbert Saffir and American meteorologist Robert Simpson (director of the National Hurricane Center from 1968 to 1973)—is based on wind speed, and the rankings, represented by categories 1 through 5, take into account the damage and other ground-level effects produced by different wind speeds., In the early 1970s, Herbert Saffir, an engineer, and Robert Simpson, a meteorologist, developed a scale to describe the likely effects that hurricanes could have on an area. The scale has five categories, increasing in intensity from 1 to 5..