Hurricanes

Follow enormous rotating storms that draw energy from warm tropical oceans.

About Hurricanes

Hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are regional names for the same type of storm. They form over warm ocean water and can produce destructive wind, storm surge, flooding rain, tornadoes, and large waves.

Visual learning: These pages use real Wikimedia Commons and scientific weather imagery. Final image URLs should be browser-tested before deployment.

Thunderstorm — ThunderstormThunderstorms form when warm moist air rises into an unstable atmosphere.

Tornado — TornadoTornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air connected to thunderstorms.

Hurricane — HurricaneTropical cyclones are organized rotating storm systems fueled by warm ocean water.

Snowstorm — SnowstormWinter storms can combine snow, wind, cold, and low visibility.

Formation

Tropical cyclones need warm water, moisture, organized thunderstorms, and relatively low wind shear.

Eye

Strong hurricanes often develop a relatively calm eye.

Eyewall

The strongest winds and heaviest rain usually occur in the eyewall.

Storm Surge

Storm surge is abnormal ocean water pushed onto land by the storm.

Rainfall

Tropical cyclones can produce catastrophic freshwater flooding.

Wind

Hurricane-force winds damage buildings, trees, power systems, and infrastructure.

Forecasting

Satellites, aircraft, buoys, radar, and computer models track tropical cyclones.

Preparation

Coastal residents should know evacuation zones and official emergency plans.

Formation

Earth's rotation is also necessary, so they do not form directly at the equator.

Eye

The lowest pressure sits near the center.

Eyewall

Eyewall changes can cause storm intensity to fluctuate.

Storm Surge

It can be one of the deadliest hurricane hazards, especially along low coastlines.

Rainfall

Slow-moving storms may drop huge rainfall totals far inland.

Wind

Wind also turns loose objects into dangerous debris.

Forecasting

Forecasts include both storm track and changing intensity.

Preparation

Storm-surge evacuation orders should be followed because water can rise rapidly.