Overview
- Some experts propose adding a Category 6 to the hurricane scale for storms with winds exceeding 192 mph, citing climate change as a factor in increasing storm intensity.
- Critics argue that a new category based on wind speed might miscommunicate the risks, as water-related hazards are the deadliest aspects of hurricanes.
- Recent studies suggest that the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic could support Category 6 storms due to warming climates, increasing the likelihood of such extreme weather events.
- Historically, five storms since 2013 would have qualified as Category 6, demonstrating the potential for more intense hurricanes in a warming world.
- Efforts to communicate hurricane risks are shifting towards highlighting storm surge and flooding dangers, rather than focusing solely on wind speed.