- Hurricanes are large tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters.
- They are known by different names in different parts of the world, such as typhoons, cyclones, or simply tropical storms.
- Hurricanes can cause extreme damage to homes, infrastructure, and natural resources.
- The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage.
- The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June to November.
- The Pacific hurricane season runs from May to November.
- Hurricanes can produce sustained winds of over 150 miles per hour.
- The strongest hurricanes are classified as Category 5 storms.
- Hurricanes can produce storm surges that can inundate coastal areas with water.
- They can also produce heavy rain and cause flooding inland.
- Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, caused over $100 billion in damages.
- The deadliest hurricane on record was the Great Hurricane of 1780, which killed an estimated 22,000 people.
- Hurricane hunters fly into hurricanes to gather data and monitor their development.
- Hurricanes are named using a rotating list of names established by the World Meteorological Organization.
- The eye of a hurricane is a calm, relatively clear area in the center of the storm.
- Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which can cause additional damage.
- The warm waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico are prime locations for hurricane formation.
- Some hurricanes can generate waves over 50 feet high.
- Hurricanes can cause significant damage to the economy, particularly in industries such as tourism and agriculture.
- The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused significant damage to New York City.
- Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico in 2017, caused widespread devastation and left many without power for months.
- Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the coming years.
- The National Hurricane Center provides regular updates and forecasts on current and upcoming hurricanes.
- A hurricane can last for more than 14 days.
- Hurricane Floyd, which was barely a category I hurricane, has destroyed 19 million trees and has caused damage of more than a billion dollars.
