Fact Check: "A Category 2 hurricane has winds between 96 and 110 mph."
What We Know
The classification of hurricanes is determined by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. According to the National Hurricane Center, a Category 2 hurricane is defined as having sustained winds ranging from 96 to 110 mph (154 to 177 km/h) (National Hurricane Center). This classification is crucial for understanding the potential damage and hazards associated with hurricanes.
Analysis
The claim that "a Category 2 hurricane has winds between 96 and 110 mph" is accurate based on the established definitions from credible sources such as the National Hurricane Center. The Saffir-Simpson scale is widely recognized and used by meteorologists and emergency management officials to assess the intensity of hurricanes and the potential impact on affected areas.
The reliability of the National Hurricane Center as a source is high, as it is a government agency under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that specializes in hurricane forecasting and research. The definitions provided by the center are based on extensive research and historical data regarding hurricanes.
Furthermore, the Saffir-Simpson scale is a standard reference used globally, making it a reliable framework for understanding hurricane classifications. The specific wind speed ranges for each category, including Category 2, are consistently cited across various meteorological resources (National Weather Service).
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
While the claim that "a Category 2 hurricane has winds between 96 and 110 mph" is accurate according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the claim itself lacks independent verification from multiple sources in this instance. The primary source of the definition is the National Hurricane Center, which is authoritative but does not provide a diverse range of perspectives or corroborating evidence from other independent meteorological organizations. Therefore, while the claim is factually correct, it remains unverified in the context of independent confirmation.
