What is a Hurricane?

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

A hurricane is a huge storm!  It can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling at speeds of 75-200 MPH.  A hurricane usually lasts for over a week, moving 10-20 MPH over the ocean.  Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters, and rotate counter-clockwise around an "eye" in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.  The "eye" is the center of the storm and is the calmest part.  When a hurricane comes onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars.

Hurricanes only form over really warm ocean water of 80 degrees F or warmer.  The atmosphere must cool off very quickly the higher you go.  Also, the wind must be blowing in the same direction and at the same speed to force air upward from the ocean surface.  Winds flow outward above the storm allowing the air below to rise.

Hurricanes are separated into categories based on their intensity and wind speeds:

Category 1 - very dangerous winds will produce some damage - 74-95 MPH

Category 2 - extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage - 96-110 MPH

Category 3 - devastating damage will occur - 111-129 MPH

Category 4 - catastrophic damage will occur - 130-156 MPH

Category 5 - catastrophic damage will occur - winds greater than 157 MPH