Meteorology · Tropical Cyclones — Classification
In the Atlantic/East Pacific, a tropical cyclone is classified as a hurricane when its maximum sustained winds reach:
- A34 knots
- B64 knots (74 mph) or greater✓ Correct
- C48 knots
- D100 knots only
Explanation
A tropical depression has winds up to 33 kt, a tropical storm 34–63 kt (and gets a name), and a hurricane 64 kt (74 mph) or more. The Saffir-Simpson scale then rates hurricanes Category 1–5 by sustained wind speed.
Authority: NWS/NHC; Saffir-Simpson scale
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