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Scientists Propose Category 6 for Unprecedented Hurricane Intensity

A new study suggests updating the hurricane classification scale to include a Category 6, reflecting the growing threat of mega-hurricanes fueled by climate change.

These Areas at Risk for New HurricaneCategory
The International Space Station orbits about 259 miles (417 kilometers) above Trinidad and Tobago as Hurricane Sam churns in the Atlantic Ocean in the fall of 2021.
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Overview

  • A recent study proposes adding a Category 6 to the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale for storms with winds exceeding 192 mph, reflecting the increased intensity of hurricanes due to climate change.
  • The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights that nearly half of all Category 5 hurricanes occurred in the last 20 years, with several recent storms already reaching the proposed Category 6 intensity.
  • Researchers argue that the current scale underestimates the risk of mega-hurricanes, making a new category crucial for public safety and awareness.
  • Areas particularly vulnerable to the impacts of Category 6 hurricanes include coastal cities in the Gulf of Mexico and up the Eastern coastline of the United States.
  • The proposal for a Category 6 classification aims to improve preparedness and response strategies, potentially saving lives and reducing damage from future mega-hurricanes.