New category 6 may be added to cyclone classifications due to climate changeMORNING REPORT/RNZ A new category of cyclone - category six - may be needed as climate change makes storms more extreme. A gathering of climate change experts has been told that may have to change. NASA/JMA HIMWARAI Tropical Cyclone Gita hit Tonga with sustained winds of over 230kmh and gusts of up to 278kmh. READ MORE:* Ships seek refuge from Gita* SH1 in and out of Kaikōura closed* Power on after storm* MPs inspect Gita damage* Cyclone Gita: full coverageUnder the current system, Tropical Cyclone Gita reached category 5. Experts at the Pacific Ocean Climate Change Conference in Wellington were told on Wednesday that New Zealand and the Pacific region were going to be hit hard by changes to weather patterns caused by climate change.

Source: Stuff February 22, 2018 01:58 UTC