Recent discussions on social media have raised the question of whether a new 'Category 6' should be added to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, following a study by Wehner that suggests the Gulf of Mexico is at high risk for extremely intense storms. Meteorologists and weather professionals, including Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), have rejected the idea. Rhome's interview, conducted between 12:45-1:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, 2/6/2024, emphasized the importance of focusing on the impacts of storms rather than the category number. The NHC and other weather authorities have stated they do not advocate for the addition of a new category but are concentrating on the potential intensity and risks of storms.
Great response to the Cat 6 nonsense from Jamie. We have to focus on these impacts not a single Category number for sure. 🙌 https://t.co/WEzH8sGZHw
We're not taking a position or advocating for Cat 6. In fact, our story quotes @NHC_Atlantic director Michael Brennan who makes same points as Jaime does below. We simply reported on the study & what was proposed and reactions. Link: https://t.co/PseU3gCVRv https://t.co/Yhd5KPFWNS
Let's table this "Category 6" chatter now. Watch the entire response. Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director, NHC (Miami, FL) Interview was conducted between 12:45-1:00 p EST Tuesday, 2/6/2024. @AP @borenbears @capitalweather @nbc6 @Telemundo51 https://t.co/3FohMy7roE
“Alarmingly, Wehner explained that from his potential intensity analysis, the Gulf of Mexico has the greatest risk of being hit by one of these potential Category 6 storms in the Atlantic Basin.” https://t.co/QPGU8JU3Zt
We do not need a category six. https://t.co/85N1CVev1W