What does the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classify?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and the potential damage they can cause. It categorizes hurricanes into five distinct levels, ranging from Category 1 (the least severe) to Category 5 (the most severe). Each category corresponds to a specific range of wind speeds, and as the category increases, so does the potential for significant structural damage, storm surge, and other associated hazards. This scale helps meteorologists, emergency responders, and the general public to understand the strength of a hurricane and prepare for its impacts effectively.

Other options do not correctly represent what the Saffir-Simpson scale measures: it does not focus on demographics affected by hurricanes, the frequency of hurricane occurrences, or the economic costs associated with them. Instead, it strictly deals with wind intensity and the consequent damage that such winds can inflict.