The '''[[Saffir-SimpsonSaffir–Simpson scale|Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale]] (SSHS)''' is a scale classifying most [[Western Hemisphere]] [[tropical cyclone]]s that exceed the levels of "tropical depression" and "tropical storm" and thereby become hurricanes. The "categories" it divides hurricanes into are distinguished by the intensities of their respective 1-minute sustained [[wind]]s speeds. The classifications are intended primarily for use in gauging the likely damage and [[storm surge]] [[flood]]ing a hurricane will cause upon landfall. The Saffir-SimpsonSaffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale is used '''only''' to describe hurricanes formingthat form in the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and northern [[Pacific Ocean]] east of the [[International Date Line]]. Other areas label their tropical cyclones as "cyclones" andor "typhoons", and use their own [[tropical cyclone classification schemesscales|classification schemessystems]].
