Hurricane Severity Index

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The Hurricane Severity Index (or HSI) measures the strength and destructive capability of a storm based on its size and wind intensity.[1] The HSI attempts to demonstrate that two hurricanes of similar intensity may have different destructive capability due to variances in size, and furthermore that a less intense, but very large hurricane, may in fact be more destructive than a smaller, more intense hurricane. It is very similar to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Hurricane Index, which also factors both size and intensity of a hurricane.[2] HSI was developed by a private company program in competition with the National Weather Service's accumulated cyclone energy index.

Components of the index[edit]

Visual comparison of Hurricane Floyd with Hurricane Andrew while at similar positions and nearly identical intensities. Floyd was, however, 3–4 times larger and posed a much greater threat.

The Hurricane Severity Index is a 50-point scale, with wind intensity and size contributing equally.

Determining size points[edit]

HSI Size Points[3]
A total of 25 size points is possible.
Wind Radii Size Point Range
35 kn 1–3
50 kn 1–4
65 kn 1–8
87 kn 1–10

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Chris Hebert (ImpactWeather Inc.), B. Weinzapfel, and M. Chambers (1 May 2008). "The Hurricane Severity Index – A destructive potential rating system for tropical cyclones". 28th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Archived from the original on 14 March 2009. Retrieved 2008-12-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "CME Hurricane Index Futures and Options" (PDF). CME Group. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  3. ^ "ImpactWeather" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2008-12-18.

External links[edit]

  • Hebert, Chris, Bob Weinzapfel and Mark Chambers. “Hurricane Severity Index: A New Way of Estimating a Tropical Cyclone’s Destructive Potential”. 29th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, 10–14 May 2010, Tucson, Arizona. American Meteorological Society. http://ams.confex.com/ams/29Hurricanes/techprogram/paper_168529.htm