Multiple experts are now questioning whether the current hurricane category system needs revision due to the anticipated strength of Hurricane Milton. Following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Florida’s Big Bend just weeks ago, Milton has rapidly intensified. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued urgent warnings, as Milton has reached the maximum classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Its power is prompting discussions about whether new classifications should be added to address increasingly severe storms.
Category five is stated as seeing winds at speeds of ‘157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)’ with ‘catastrophic damage’ occurring.
It details: “A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
By yesterday evening, the hurricane’s winds reached 180mph – well above that of category five of the scale – and while the hurricane has since decreased to a category four, concerns are mounting it could go beyond category five once again.
Now, questions are being raised as to whether the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is adequate when considering the danger of such hurricanes.
Florida residents have been urged to evacuate (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Retired federal scientist Jim Kossin emphasized that the current hurricane category system, which tops out at category 5, is becoming outdated as climate change leads to increasingly intense storms. Along with climate scientist Michael Wehner, they explored the concept of a “category 6” for storms with wind speeds of 192 mph or more. Their research found that several storms since 1980 have reached this intensity. While not advocating an official change to the scale, they hope it sparks discussions on better risk communication in a warming climate.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale currently goes up to category five (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Professor Michael E. Mann suggested on Twitter that hurricanes with sustained winds of 192 mph or higher, such as Hurricane Milton, could warrant a new “category 6” designation. While there’s speculation that Milton may have surpassed this threshold, Fox Weather meteorologist Mike Rawlins downplayed the need for a new scale. He told the Post that no such scale is being created at this time. The debate reflects growing concern over increasingly powerful storms and the adequacy of current classification systems.
