Question: What number on the Beaufort Wind Scale is a hurricane?
Show answer
12.
The Beaufort Wind Scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. It was developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort, a Rear Admiral in the British navy.
A hurricane is categorized as a 12 on the Beaufort Scale. It is the highest number on the scale and represents the most extreme weather condition, indicating incredibly powerful and destructive winds. According to the Beaufort Scale, a hurricane is characterized by wind speeds greater than 73 miles per hour (118 kilometers per hour) or 64 knots.
At this level, the damage inflicted by the wind is extensive. At sea, the waves are enormous, and the visibility is severely reduced due to airborne spray. On land, there’s widespread damage to buildings and trees, often causing catastrophic consequences.
It’s important to note that modern meteorological systems, like the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, provide more detailed gradations for hurricane intensity. This scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (least intense) to Category 5 (most intense), based on their wind speed and potential for damage.
Still, the Beaufort Scale remains in use today, providing a simple, numeric way to gauge wind intensity.
