In 2025, on one hand, Cyclone Montha is active in the Bay of Bengal, while on the other hand, Hurricane Melissa is also active in the Atlantic Ocean. Both are powerful ocean storms, which are creating destructive conditions like strong winds, torrential rains and possible floods. When a storm of wind rises over an ocean and starts tearing the sky with its speed, the question arises that what is its strength? This is not just a matter of fear or guesswork, but its strength is determined scientifically.

Every storm has its own ‘class’, which tells whether it is going to bring light rain or submerge the entire city. Let us know how the strength of a storm is estimated.

How to measure the strength of a storm

Scientists around the world use two major scales to measure the strength of hurricanes, the first is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is mainly applicable to the Americas, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. The second is the V-scale, which has been adopted in India, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea areas.

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

This scale ranges from 1 to 5 depending on the maximum sustained wind speed of any storm. In Category 1, the wind speed is around 119 to 153 kilometers per hour, it can cause minor damage. In Category 2, winds reach 154 to 177 km/hour. In this, roofs can blow away, trees can break. From Category 3 (178–208 km/h) the damage becomes serious. Category 4 (209–251 km/h) and Category 5 (above 252 km/h) are the levels where everything turns into disaster. This scale not only gives an idea of ​​the speed of the wind but also its impact i.e. possible property damage.

Varicel used in India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the varicella scale to measure the strength of storms. This scale is also divided into five categories – from V1 to V5. V1 represents the mildest storm, while V5 is the most dangerous. Storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are measured on this scale. The idea behind this is that the marine conditions and climate in these areas are different from those of the western oceans, so a different parameter was necessary to suit local conditions.

How are data collected

Scientists estimate the center of the storm and its wind speed with the help of satellite images, weather buoys and aerial surveys. The data received from radar shows the direction and speed at which the winds are moving. This data decides in which category the storm will be placed.

Also read: Delhi Cloud Seeding: Did Delhi government fail in getting cloud seeding done, know how much money was wasted?

Hurricane Melissa, which arose in the Caribbean Sea, became more powerful by late night on Sunday (26 October 2025). According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), this storm can now reach Category 5, which means its wind speed can exceed 250 kilometers per hour.

It is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had already warned that a higher than average number of storms could be seen this season.

Current position and speed of the storm
As of Sunday night, Melissa’s center was about 205 kilometers south-southwest of Jamaica’s capital Kingston and about 495 kilometers south-west of Cuba’s Guantanamo. This storm is moving towards the west at a speed of about 7 kilometers per hour. Its wind speed has been recorded at 230 kilometers per hour. NHC has warned that this storm could reach Category 5 status by Monday and affect Jamaica by Tuesday morning and Cuba and Bahamas by Wednesday (October 29, 2025).

State of emergency in Jamaica, airports closed

Extensive preparations have been started in Jamaica even before the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The government has closed both Norman Manley International (Kingston) and Sangster International (Montego Bay) airports. Residents of coastal areas like Old Harbor Bay have been ordered to evacuate their homes. Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said that more than 650 relief camps have been opened in Jamaica and thousands of food packets have been kept ready in advance. However, officials have expressed concern that many people are not following evacuation orders, which could make the situation more serious.

Danger of heavy rain and flood

According to NHC, Jamaica and southern Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) may receive 30 to 40 inches (up to 1 meter) of rain. There is a serious possibility of landslides, floods and power cuts due to such rains. Jamaica Meteorological Service director Ivan Thompson warned that storm surges could prove most destructive in the southern part of the island. There is a possibility of flood in every area, so people living in low-lying areas should immediately move to safe places. The NHC also said storm surge could reach up to 13 feet (4 meters) above ground level, inundating coastal areas.

Devastation in Haiti and Dominican Republic
At least four deaths have been confirmed so far, including three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. Three people died and 5 were injured when a wall collapsed due to heavy rains in Haiti’s Sainte-Suzanne area. Due to heavy rains the water level of rivers has increased and many bridges have been washed away. Officials said that many villages have been completely cut off, making it difficult to deliver relief material.

Warning for Cuba and Bahamas
According to NHC’s forecast, the storm will affect eastern parts of Cuba by late night on Tuesday (28 October 2025). The Cuban government has issued a hurricane warning for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguín, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for Las Tunas. There is a possibility of rain up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) in Cuba. At the same time, the Bahamas Meteorological Department said that the south-eastern and central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands may come under the influence of the storm by the beginning of next week.

NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rome said that the situation in Jamaica and surrounding areas could deteriorate rapidly. People should be prepared for difficult conditions for several days. Meteorologists are calling it one of the most powerful Caribbean hurricanes in the last several years. He says that due to climate change, both the intensity and frequency of tropical storms are increasing in the Atlantic region.

Also read: US Navy helicopter and fighter jet crash in the sea, know how the terrible accident happened