In the U.S. we rely on the Saffir-Simpson Scale to measure hurricanes; that scale gives a 5 rating to the strongest storms. Now there is consideration of a possible addition to the scale. See: Stronger storms mean new ‘category six’ scale may be needed. Traditional scale used goes only to five but strength and intensity of storms is increasing, says scientists
How would that be calculated?
The vulnerability of the communities and environment hit by the storm should also figure in the scale.