When Hurricane Milton started churning in the Atlantic, its sheer power left many wondering: could this be a Category 6 hurricane? The simple answer is no. There is currently no such thing as a Category 6 hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) uses the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to measure storm intensity, and this scale tops out at Category 5. However, as hurricanes get stronger, some scientists believe it may be time to reconsider how we classify the most intense storms.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on wind speeds. It ranges from Category 1, describing mild hurricanes with winds between 74-95 mph, to Category 5, which includes storms with winds of 157 mph and above. Category 5 hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage, with winds strong enough to tear roofs off homes and make entire areas uninhabitable for weeks.
The current scale has been the standard for decades, but the strength of hurricanes is evolving. As climate change continues to warm ocean waters, some scientists argue the existing categories may not adequately reflect the devastation of modern hurricanes. This has led to discussions about the need to add a Category 6 to the hurricane intensity scale.
Why No Category 6 Exists… Yet
There is no Category 6 on the Saffir-Simpson scale because Category 5 was historically considered the highest level of intensity. Any storm with wind speeds above 157 mph would be classified as Category 5, as these winds were deemed catastrophic by all standards. However, as storms grow stronger, there is debate about whether the current scale accurately captures the reality of today’s hurricanes.
In February 2024, the National Hurricane Center stated they have no immediate plans to add a Category 6 to the scale. They argue that Category 5 already represents catastrophic damage, and adding a higher category might not provide additional benefits.
The Case for Adding a Category 6
While the National Hurricane Center has no plans to adjust the scale, many meteorologists and climate scientists argue for a new, higher category. Their reason? Hurricanes are getting stronger, and Category 5 no longer captures the extreme nature of some storms.
A Category 5 storm has wind speeds of 157 mph, but recent hurricanes have reached sustained winds above 190 mph. Hurricane Patricia in 2015 had wind speeds of 215 mph, and Hurricane Irma in 2017 had sustained winds of 180 mph. These storms, though technically classified as Category 5, pushed the boundaries of what we have seen, leading some experts to believe the public would benefit from a clearer distinction.
Researchers propose adding a sixth category to classify hurricanes with winds above 192 mph. Under this system, Category 5 would cover winds from 157-192 mph, and Category 6 would include any hurricane with winds over 192 mph. By making this distinction, scientists believe the urgency and potential devastation of such events could be communicated more effectively.
Category 6: What Would It Mean for Public Awareness?
Adding a Category 6 to the hurricane scale wouldn’t only be about numbers—it would be about increasing awareness. With hurricanes becoming more intense, it’s crucial that people understand the difference between an already destructive Category 5 storm and one with winds significantly higher than 192 mph.
Imagine being told a Category 5 hurricane is approaching. You know it’s serious, and you brace for impact. But what if a storm goes well beyond a “typical” Category 5? The addition of a Category 6 would help people understand the gravity of the threat and encourage stronger precautions.
A Category 6 classification could also push policymakers to take action. Higher-intensity storms threaten coastlines, emphasizing the need for infrastructure that can withstand extreme conditions. The goal of adding a Category 6 would be to enhance preparedness, save lives, and mitigate future storm impacts.
Could Milton Have Been a Category 6?
If Category 6 existed, would Hurricane Milton have qualified? As of now, Hurricane Milton has maximum sustained winds of 180 mph—a terrifying figure within the upper bounds of Category 5. However, if Milton strengthened further, surpassing 192 mph, it could fall into the hypothetical Category 6 range.
The concept of a Category 6 reflects the changing climate and new extremes we’re witnessing. Hurricane Milton, like other recent storms, is testing the limits of what we understand about hurricanes and pushing us to rethink how we classify and respond to these threats.
The Five Storms That Could Have Been Category 6
Under the proposed changes to the Saffir-Simpson scale, five hurricanes between 1980 and 2021 would have been classified as Category 6 storms. Notably, none of these storms made landfall in the United States, but their power serves as a reminder of what is possible. Hurricane Patricia (2015), with winds of 215 mph, is an example of a storm that exceeded what we typically consider catastrophic.
Other storms fitting the Category 6 criteria include Hurricane Allen (1980), Hurricane Irma (2017), Typhoon Tip (1979), and Typhoon Haiyan (2013). These storms were exceptionally powerful, breaking records and leaving lasting damages. Acknowledging that these hurricanes went beyond Category 5 makes the conversation around a new classification even more relevant.
The Impact of Climate Change on Hurricane Intensity
Climate change is a key reason why this discussion is happening now. Warmer oceans provide more energy for hurricanes, allowing them to grow larger and more destructive. The increasing frequency of rapidly intensifying hurricanes is also a concern, with storms like Hurricane Milton strengthening from a tropical storm to Category 5 hurricanes in days.
This trend has become more evident in recent years, with storms reaching peak intensity faster. Scientists attribute this to higher sea surface temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture. More heat and moisture provide more fuel for hurricanes, often leaving coastal communities with less time to prepare.
While the National Hurricane Center has no plans to add a Category 6, the growing intensity of hurricanes makes this discussion worth having. As climate change continues to impact our planet, the storms we face are likely to grow stronger. Whether we see an official Category 6 in the future or not, it’s essential to adapt our strategies, improve infrastructure, and increase public awareness to prepare for these superstorms.
In the meantime, it’s crucial for those in hurricane-prone areas to stay informed and prepared. Hurricane Milton is a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of respecting these forces. While there may not be a Category 6 yet, the storms of today are already rewriting the rules, and it’s up to us to keep pace.
