How fast do winds need to blow for a storm to be classified as a hurricane?

A storm is classified as a hurricane when its sustained winds reach at least 74 miles per hour (MPH). The designation of a hurricane is part of a broader classification system for tropical storms. Before a storm has sustained winds of 39 MPH, it is considered a tropical depression, and as winds reach between 39 MPH and 73 MPH, it becomes a tropical storm. Once the winds exceed 73 MPH, it meets the criteria for hurricane status. This classification is crucial for meteorologists and disaster management agencies, as it helps in responding to and preparing for severe weather events that can have significant impacts on affected areas. The specific thresholds define the intensity and potential damage associated with different storm types.