Tropical Cyclone Horacio Becomes Strongest Storm of 2026 East of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Horacio intensified into the most powerful tropical cyclone recorded globally so far in 2026 after reaching Category 5–equivalent strength over the central Southwest Indian Ocean east of Mauritius. The system peaked on February 22–23 with estimated sustained winds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph) before beginning a gradual southward track over open waters.

Horacio developed from a low-pressure disturbance east of Rodrigues Island on February 18 and was named by RSMC La Réunion the following day. Favorable environmental conditions—including very warm sea-surface temperatures and strong upper-level outflow—allowed the cyclone to undergo rapid intensification within 48 hours. By February 22, it had reached “Very Intense Tropical Cyclone” status, the highest classification in the Southwest Indian Ocean basin.

At peak intensity, RSMC La Réunion estimated 10-minute sustained winds of 230 to 240 km/h (140 to 150 mph), with gusts reaching 280 to 300 km/h (175 to 185 mph). The storm’s minimum central pressure fell to approximately 910 hPa. Meanwhile, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center assessed 1-minute sustained winds at 260 km/h (160 mph), placing Horacio at the upper end of Category 5 strength on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Satellite imagery during the storm’s peak showed a well-defined, symmetrical eye surrounded by intense convective bands, a signature of a mature and highly organized tropical cyclone. Meteorologists noted that such “Very Intense” systems are relatively rare in the basin and typically occur only once or twice per season. Horacio’s rapid strengthening coincided with the climatological peak of the Southern Hemisphere cyclone season, when atmospheric and oceanic conditions are most favorable for development.

Although the cyclone remained offshore, its outer rainbands affected Rodrigues Island with heavy showers and wind gusts of around 100 km/h (60 mph). Sea conditions deteriorated significantly, with swells exceeding 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet). The Mauritius Meteorological Services maintained a Class 1 Cyclone Warning for Mauritius until February 23, later lifting it as the system tracked farther south.

A Heavy Swell Warning was issued for Rodrigues at 00:30 UTC on February 24 and remained in effect through early February 25. Authorities warned that high-energy swells of up to 7 meters (23 feet) beyond the reefs could impact lagoons and low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide. Fishermen, recreational boaters, and the general public were strongly advised to avoid venturing to sea or along exposed shorelines while hazardous marine conditions persisted.

As of 06:00 UTC on February 24, Horacio’s center was located approximately 315 km (196 miles) southeast of Rodrigues and moving southward while gradually weakening. Increasing vertical wind shear and declining ocean heat content are expected to contribute to steady weakening. Forecasters anticipate that the system will transition into a post-tropical or extratropical depression within 48 hours as it continues over cooler waters.

Horacio is the ninth named storm of the 2025/26 Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season and, despite its exceptional intensity, caused no major damage or reported casualties due to its offshore track.