Tropical Cyclone Horacio Strengthens Into First Category 5 Equivalent Storm of 2026

Tropical Cyclone Horacio strengthens into first Category 5 equivalent storm of 2026

Tropical Cyclone Horacio has intensified into a Category 5 equivalent storm in the South Indian Ocean, becoming the first cyclone worldwide in 2026 to reach that intensity, according to meteorologists. In its latest advisory Tuesday, the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) said Horacio is producing sustained winds of 140 knots, or about 161 mph (259 km/h), placing it at the highest level of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale used in th…

Tropical Cyclone Horacio becomes first category 5 storm of 2026 in South Indian ocean

Tropical Cyclone Horacio has intensified into a Category 5 storm, the strongest classification for tropical cyclones, becoming the first storm globally to reach this intensity in 2026. The cyclone formed over the South Indian Ocean and has recorded maximum sustained wind speeds of 161 mph (259 km/h). According to the latest forecast issued Tuesday by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Horacio is moving south-southwest over open waters east…

Tropical Cyclone Horacio Intensifies to World's First Category 5 — Where Is It Heading?

Tropical Cyclone Horacio has intensified into a Category 5 superstorm, becoming the first cyclone anywhere in the world to reach that threshold in 2026, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The powerful system is currently churning over the South Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, with sustained wind speeds measured at 161 mph (259 km/h). The development was first reported by The News International, which cited updated forecas…

Tropical Cyclone Horacio: Earth’s first Category 5 tropical cyclone of 2026 » Yale Climate Connections

Located over the remote South Indian Ocean, Horacio is not a threat to any land areas. The post Tropical Cyclone Horacio: Earth’s first Category 5 tropical cyclone of 2026 appeared first on Yale Climate Connections.