When we talk about hurricane strength, we're using this scale. Unless they are measuring different metrics, a no 8 is the equivalent of a tropical storm. Which is to say, we don't even rate that as hurricane strength.
Helene hit land at around 220 km/h (Cat 4). Milton reached speeds of 260km/h (Cat 5), but might weaken to 190-200km/h (Cat 3) by the time it reaches land.
Not an expert here, but given the differences in measurement scales, I suspect there is a difference in intensity.
If my reading of this Hong Kong Observatory reference is correct, a no 8 is classified as wind speeds between 63-117 km/h.
When we talk about hurricane strength, we're using this scale. Unless they are measuring different metrics, a no 8 is the equivalent of a tropical storm. Which is to say, we don't even rate that as hurricane strength.
Helene hit land at around 220 km/h (Cat 4). Milton reached speeds of 260km/h (Cat 5), but might weaken to 190-200km/h (Cat 3) by the time it reaches land.