Ardonia arrocane wind scale
| Category | mph | km/h | kn | m/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | ≥ 160 | ≥ 257 | ≥ 139 | ≥ 72 |
| 4 | 130–159 | 209–256 | 113–138 | 58–71 |
| 3 | 115–129 | 185–208 | 100–112 | 51–58 |
| 2 | 100–114 | 161–183 | 87–99 | 45–51 |
| 1 | 75–99 | 121–159 | 65–86 | 34–44 |
| TS | 40–74 | 64–119 | 35–64 | 18–33 |
| TD | ≤ 39 | ≤ 63 | ≤ 34 | ≤ 17 |
The Ardonia arrocane wind scale (AAWS) is a tropical cyclone intensity scale used in Ardonia to classify arrocanes into five categories based on the intensity of their maximum sustained winds. The scale uses maximum sustained winds averaged over a period of one minute. To be classified as an arrocane, a tropical cyclone must have maximum sustained winds of at least 75 mph (121 km/h; 65 kn; 34 m/s), corresponding to Category 1. The highest classification on the scale, Category 5, is assigned to arrocanes with maximum sustained winds of at least 160 mph (257 km/h; 139 kn; 72 m/s).
Tropical cyclones below arrocane intensity are classified as tropical depressions when their maximum sustained winds are 39 mph (63 km/h; 34 kn; 17 m/s) or less, and as tropical storms when their maximum sustained winds are between 40 and 74 mph (64–119 km/h; 35–64 kn; 18–33 m/s).
The classifications can provide some indication of the potential wind damage an arrocane may cause upon landfall. Because the scale is based solely on maximum sustained wind speed, it does not account for other hazards associated with tropical cyclones, including storm surge, flooding, rainfall, or tornadoes.
The Ardonia arrocane wind scale is used by the Ardonia Atmospheric and Weather Service (AAWS) and the National Weather Service (NWS) for tropical cyclones within Ardonia's area of responsibility. Other tropical cyclone intensity scales, including the Felden Meteorological Legislation, use separate classifications and wind averaging periods.
Classifications
The five arrocane categories are, in order of increasing intensity:
Category 1
| Category 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sustained winds | Most recent landfall |
| 75–99 mph 121–159 km/h 65–86 kn 34–44 m/s |
To be added |
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
Category 1 arrocanes are the lowest-intensity tropical cyclones classified as arrocanes on the Ardonia arrocane wind scale. Although generally not expected to cause major structural failure to well-constructed permanent buildings, these storms can damage roofing materials, siding, windows, and other exposed components. Poorly constructed structures may sustain more substantial damage, while unanchored mobile homes can be shifted from their foundations or overturned.
Large tree branches may break and shallow-rooted trees may be uprooted, potentially blocking roads and damaging electrical infrastructure. Coastal areas can experience damaging waves and erosion, while piers and other exposed waterfront structures may sustain damage. Widespread power outages are possible and may persist for several days in the most heavily affected areas. Despite being the lowest arrocane category, Category 1 arrocanes can still produce widespread damage and pose a significant threat to life and property.
Category 2
| Category 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sustained winds | Most recent landfall |
| 100–114 mph 161–183 km/h 87–99 kn 45–51 m/s |
To be added |
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
Category 2 arrocanes are capable of causing extensive damage to buildings, vegetation, and infrastructure. Well-constructed residences may sustain considerable roof and siding damage, while poorly constructed buildings can suffer partial roof failure and damage to exterior walls, doors, and windows. Mobile and manufactured homes may be severely damaged or destroyed, particularly when inadequately anchored.
Numerous trees can be uprooted or snapped, and falling trees and utility poles may make roads impassable. Signs, awnings, piers, and other lightly constructed structures can sustain severe damage or be destroyed. Small craft in unprotected anchorages may break their moorings. Extensive to near-total power outages are possible in heavily affected areas, and interruptions to potable water and communications may persist for several days.
Category 3
| Category 3 | |
|---|---|
| Sustained winds | Most recent landfall |
| 115–129 mph 185–208 km/h 100–112 kn 51–58 m/s |
To be added |
Devastating damage will occur
Category 3 arrocanes are considered major arrocanes and are capable of causing devastating damage. Well-built residences may sustain major roof damage and the loss of exterior wall components, while smaller or poorly constructed buildings may experience substantial structural failure. Buildings lacking secure foundations are particularly vulnerable. Mobile homes are frequently destroyed, and manufactured homes can sustain severe and irreparable damage.
Many trees may be uprooted or snapped, potentially isolating communities and rendering numerous roads impassable. Electrical distribution systems can sustain severe damage as utility poles and transmission equipment are destroyed. Coastal structures may be damaged by waves and flooding, and floating debris can impact larger buildings near the shoreline.
Near-total to total electrical outages are likely in the areas experiencing the strongest winds. Water and communications services may also be disrupted, with restoration potentially requiring several weeks in the most severely affected communities.
Category 4
| Category 4 | |
|---|---|
| Sustained winds | Most recent landfall |
| 130–159 mph 209–256 km/h 113–138 kn 58–71 m/s |
To be added |
Catastrophic damage will occur
Category 4 arrocanes can produce catastrophic damage across areas directly affected by the eyewall. Well-built residences can sustain severe roof loss and failure of exterior walls, while smaller residences and utility buildings may experience complete structural failure. Large portions of roofs can be removed from commercial and industrial structures. Gas station canopies, awnings, and other wide-span or overhanging structures are particularly susceptible to severe damage or destruction.
Mobile and manufactured homes are commonly destroyed or flattened. Most trees in areas experiencing the strongest winds may be uprooted or snapped, and widespread destruction of utility infrastructure can isolate communities. Extensive debris may make roads impassable for prolonged periods.
Coastal areas may experience severe beach erosion and extensive damage from waves and storm surge. Electrical and water systems can sustain catastrophic damage, resulting in total and long-lived outages. Some heavily affected areas may remain without basic utilities for several weeks.
Category 5
| Category 5 | |
|---|---|
| Sustained winds | Most recent landfall |
| ≥ 160 mph ≥ 257 km/h ≥ 139 kn ≥ 72 m/s |
 Lee in 2020 shortly before making landfall in Mount Tempus at Category 5 intensity |
Catastrophic damage will occur
Category 5 is the highest classification on the Ardonia arrocane wind scale. Arrocanes of this intensity are capable of producing catastrophic to extreme wind damage within their inner cores. Many residences may experience complete roof failure and substantial failure of exterior walls, while some smaller buildings can be completely destroyed. Wide-span roofs and unsupported walls are particularly vulnerable to collapse. Mobile and manufactured homes exposed to the strongest winds are likely to be completely destroyed.
Severe damage can also occur to commercial, industrial, and institutional structures. Even well-engineered buildings may sustain substantial damage to roofs, windows, cladding, and other exterior components. Windborne debris can cause additional structural damage and make remaining buildings increasingly vulnerable as the storm progresses.
A very high percentage of trees in the most severely affected areas may be uprooted or snapped, with some trees sustaining severe stripping of branches or bark. Utility infrastructure can be devastated, leaving communities isolated by fallen trees, poles, debris, and damaged transportation networks.
Along the coast, the combination of extreme winds, destructive waves, and storm surge can severely damage or destroy structures near the shoreline. Large-scale evacuations may be necessary when a Category 5 arrocane threatens a populated coastal region.
Electrical, water, communications, and transportation infrastructure can sustain catastrophic damage. Total power and water losses may persist for weeks, and in the most severely affected areas full restoration and recovery may require several months.