Overview
- The Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated peak 1‑minute sustained winds near 160 mph, while RSMC La Réunion put 10‑minute winds at 230–240 km/h with central pressure around 910 hPa and classified Horacio as a Very Intense Tropical Cyclone.
- By February 24–25, the cyclone was tracking south over open water and rapidly weakening in cooler seas and higher wind shear, remaining primarily a marine hazard.
- Rodrigues saw gusts near 100 km/h and seas over 6–8 meters; Mauritius Meteorological Services lifted a Class 1 cyclone warning as the system moved away and kept a heavy swell warning for Rodrigues into February 25.
- Guidance from JTWC and RSMC indicates continued weakening and a likely transition to a post‑tropical or extratropical system within about 48 hours.
- Scientists highlighted Horacio’s explosive intensification over warm waters as consistent with research showing a rising share of Category 4–5 storms in a warming climate.