Hurricanes have intensified due to climate change leading scientists to propose adding a new “category 6” classification on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, according to a new study by the National Academy of Sciences. Storms with sustained winds exceeding 192 mph would fit this category including The Philippines’ Typhoon Haiyan, which killed over 6k people, and Hurricane Patricia, which reached a top speed of 215 mph and hit parts of Central America, Mexico, and the US.

Rising temperatures in the ocean and atmosphere are to blame: While the total number of hurricanes remains constant, their intensity has surged over the past four decades, fueled by a warmer, moisture-laden atmosphere and a superheated ocean, The Guardian writes. The heated oceans provide extra energy, increasing the size of hurricanes.

Breaking down the current scale: The Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale classifies a category 1 hurricane as between 74 mph to 95 mph with dangerous winds causing some damage. Category 2 hurricanes reach wind speeds of 96-110 mph, with extensive damage occurring. Category 3 to 5 are known as major hurricanes, causing extensive property damage at speeds from 111 mph to 157 or higher. In category 5, homes are destroyed, trees and utility poles fall, and power outages can occur for extended periods of time. 2005’s Hurricane Katrina was a category 5 hurricane that caused extensive destruction in New Orleans. It holds the record as the costliest hurricane in US history, with 1.8k fatalities and around USD 108 bn in damages.

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