How Fast Does the Wind Blow in a Hurricane?
Last Updated Mar 25, 2020 5:47:34 AM ET
The minimum sustained wind speed required for a tropical storm system to be classified as a hurricane is 74 mph, but tropical cyclones have been recorded with wind speeds as high as 215 mph. However, only tropical systems occurring in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific basins are called hurricanes.
Though very intense tropical systems have occurred in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific basins, the strongest cyclones on record originated in the western Pacific basin. Super Typhoon Nancy in 1961 holds the record for strongest cyclone on record with maximum sustained winds at 215 mph. The strongest cyclone ever in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific basins was Hurricane Wilma in 2005 with maximum winds of 185 mph.
More From Reference

What Is the Financial Independence, Retire Early Movement — and Has the Pandemic Changed It?

4 Investing Lessons We Can Learn From Warren Buffett's Stock Portfolio

Here's How a Pre-IPO Investment Helps You Fund Startups

Where to Buy Cryptocurrency: A Guide for Beginners

The Question of Congressional Term Lengths and Limits

PPP Loan Forgiveness Requirements for Small Businesses