| ATLANTIC TROPICAL (AND SUBTROPICAL) STORM NAMES FOR 2021 | EASTERN NORTH-PACIFIC TROPICAL ( AND SUBTROPICAL) STORM NAMES FOR 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ana | Henri | Odette | Andres | Ignacio | Rick |
| Bill | Ida | Peter | Blanca | Jimena | Sandra |
| Claudette | Julian | Rose | Carlos | Kevin | Terry |
| Danny | Kate | Sam | Dolores | Linda | Vivian |
| Elsa | Larry | Teresa | Enrique | Marty | Waldo |
| Fred | Mindy | Victor | Felicia | Nora | Xina |
| Grace | Nicholas | Wanda | Guillermo | Olaf | York |
| Hilda | Pamela | Zelda | |||
The lists above are used in rotation and recycled every 6 years, e.g., the 2021 list will be used again in 2027.
How to Measure Hurricane Strength
The SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE assigns a rating from 1 to 5 based on a hurricane's intensity. It is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf in the landfall region. Wind speeds are measured at a height of 33 feet (10 meters) using a 1-minute average.
CATEGORY ONE. Average wind: 74–95 mph. Significant damage to mobile homes. Some damage to roofing and siding of well-built frame homes. Large tree branches snap and shallow-rooted trees may topple. Power outages may last a few to several days.
CATEGORY TWO. Average wind: 96–110 mph. Mobile homes may be destroyed. Major roof and siding damage to frame homes. Many shallow-rooted trees snap or topple, blocking roads. Widespread power outages could last from several days to weeks. Potable water may be scarce.
CATEGORY THREE. Average wind: 111– 129 mph. Most mobile homes destroyed. Frame homes may sustain major roof damage. Many trees snap or topple, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks.
CATEGORY FOUR. Average wind: 130–156 mph. Mobile homes destroyed. Frame homes severely damaged or destroyed. Windborne debris may penetrate protected windows. Most trees snap or topple. Residential areas isolated by fallen trees and power poles. Most of the area uninhabitable for weeks to months.
CATEGORY FIVE. Average wind: 157+ mph. Most homes destroyed. Nearly all windows blown out of high-rises. Most of the area uninhabitable for weeks to months.