Final answer:
The Saffir-Simpson Scale was developed by Herbert Saffir and Dr. Robert Simpson to classify hurricanes based on wind speed, with Category 5 being the most dangerous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Saffir-Simpson Scale, which is a hurricane rating scale ranging from categories 1 to 5, was developed by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Dr. Robert Simpson. The scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their sustained wind speed, with Category 5 being the most dangerous. This scale helps to assess the potential damage and flooding a hurricane might cause upon landfall.
Understanding the intensity of hurricanes is crucial for preparedness and mitigation efforts, especially in coastal areas that are most vulnerable to such storms. The development of the Saffir-Simpson Scale has been instrumental in communicating hurricane risks to the public and officials for informed decision-making.