Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from a Category 2 to a Category 5 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching 180 mph in just 36 hours. The possibility of a hypothetical Category 6 hurricane has been discussed by experts due to the storm’s unprecedented strength. However, the current classification scale only goes up to Category 5. Scientists have observed that extreme storms like Milton are fueled by record warm ocean waters, especially in regions like the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia. The idea of adding a Category 6 to the wind scale has been considered, but some experts believe that focusing solely on wind speeds may not adequately communicate the potential impacts of hurricanes, such as storm surge and flooding. Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification and potential for extreme damage highlight the increasing risks posed by climate change and warming seas.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com