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Cyclone Horacio Update: A swirling storm has formed over the Indian Ocean, which has kept scientists awake. On February 24, Tropical Cyclone Horatio suddenly turned into a giant monster. It has been declared the world’s most powerful storm of 2026. Satellite images clearly show the center of the storm, the “eye of the storm”. Horacio has attained Category 5 status, with sustained winds of 257 km/h.
A rotating storm is forming over the Indian Ocean, which has disturbed the sleep of scientists. On February 24, Tropical Cyclone Horatio suddenly turned into a giant monster. It has been declared the world’s most powerful storm of 2026. Satellite images clearly show the center of the storm, the “eye of the storm”. Horacio has attained Category 5 status, with sustained winds of 257 km/h. Such strong winds are enough to uproot large trees and damage buildings. The only relief is that this giant is currently showing its strength in the middle of the ocean away from human population.
This cyclone that started east of Madagascar has surprised everyone. Within just one day, its wind speed increased to more than 35 mph. Experts believe that sea surface temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius are fueling this development. The warm water gives these storms extra energy, causing them to spin faster and grow larger. European satellite experts have also confirmed that Horatio’s sudden magnitude was due to increased heat in a specific part of the ocean.
Tropical Cyclone Horacio just became Earth’s first Category 5 storm of 2026 in the South Indian Ocean!
Peaked at ~160 mph (257 km/h) winds — rapid intensification over open water east of Madagascar.
No land threat, just a monster for marine traffic. Stay safe out there! pic.twitter.com/H6V09hD6vC
— Avid Learner (@the_avidlearner) February 24, 2026
Is there a danger lurking on the coast of India?
- Horatio’s ferocious speed has scared everyone, but there is some good news for India. This superfast cyclone is currently in a remote area of the deep ocean. It is not moving towards India, Mauritius or any other land area.
- It is currently growing in colder waters to the south. As it comes into contact with colder waters, its strength will begin to decrease. Experts from India Meteorological Department are monitoring it using latest satellites. Currently, there is no threat to our coastal areas.
- Even if Horatio didn’t hit India, scientists are taking it as a big warning. Due to climate change, the sea temperature is continuously increasing. Increased global warming due to human activities is making hurricanes more destructive.
Several studies have proven that hurricanes are becoming more intense due to warming oceans. Horatio’s rapid intensification to Category 5 is a frightening sign from nature. If timely steps are not taken to protect the environment, such storms may become more dangerous in the future.
On the one hand, there is a storm in the Indian Ocean, on the other hand, the weather is about to change in North India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), two weak western disturbances are becoming active. As a result, light rain and snowfall is expected over the Himalayan regions between February 26 and 28 and March 2 and 3. However, the rest of the country will not see any direct impact of Horatio. The second passage of the cyclone is a relief for now, but the challenge of global warming remains.
