Which of the following is the minimum wind speed necessary for a Category 5 hurricane?

The minimum wind speed necessary for a Category 5 hurricane is 157 mph. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds, with Category 5 being the most severe. This category is defined by wind speeds of 157 mph and above, which indicates catastrophic damage potential.

Understanding this classification is essential because it provides critical information regarding the expected impacts of storms, including the potential for devastating destruction to structures, widespread power outages, and significant storm surges. While other options list various speeds, only the 157 mph threshold accurately reflects the criteria used to denote a Category 5 hurricane according to meteorological standards.