The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale is a classification used for some western hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms. The scale divides hurricanes into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds. This scale and hurricane force winds are not the only factors that must be considered though. Storm surge and water rise, wave height, flooding from rain, and tornados spawned from a hurricane can also have a major impact on the loss of life and property.