Flaws of the Saffir-Simpson Scale: Wind Isn’t the Only Threat in Modern Hurricanes

By Zachary S. Finn | October 10, 2024

  • October 10, 2024 at 3:18 pm
    Joe says:
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    Wind has never been the only threat from hurricanes, this is not something new to “modern” hurricanes. Any mention of man-made global warming / climate change invalidates what is being presented.

    • October 11, 2024 at 9:30 am
      Zach says:
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      Thanks for your comment. First, to clarify, my article didn’t speculate on why hurricanes are becoming more frequent or severe—only that they objectively and scientifically are. As risk managers, we deal in data and leave politics at the door.

      The Science: According to peer-reviewed research from sources like the NOAA and IPCC, the frequency of high-intensity hurricanes has increased over the last few decades, as has the overall damage from these storms. Data shows that warmer ocean temperatures fuel more intense hurricanes, and rising sea levels make storm surges more dangerous.

      For example:
      NOAA reports that the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic basin has increased since the 1980s.
      The IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report (2021) confirms that while the overall number of tropical cyclones may not be increasing, the frequency of stronger hurricanes (Categories 4 and 5) is on the rise, and storms are bringing more rainfall and larger storm surges.
      The data is clear: hurricanes are becoming more destructive, and risk management must evolve to reflect that reality.

      Risk management isn’t about debating politics—it’s about protecting people and assets with the best available science.

  • October 11, 2024 at 10:21 am
    Tiger88 says:
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    Not sure what good it might do the change scales and so forth but maybe a better warning system could come out of it. For real, me driving my Honda to the office 3 days per week 8 miles each way is not causing bigger hurricanes. At the close of the article, you advocate government solution. i can’t find a single government operated insurance organization that has helped things along or made things better for regular people so not too sure about that.



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