Hurricane Wiki: An In-Depth Guide to Hurricanes and Tropical Cyclones

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a rotating storm system that has sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). Hurricanes are fueled by warm ocean waters and form over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. They can cause devastating damage to coastal areas, including high winds, storm surges, and flooding.

How Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes form when warm ocean waters evaporate and create moist air. This air rises and cools, forming clouds and thunderstorms. If the thunderstorms become organized and rotate around a central low-pressure area, a hurricane can form.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. The scale ranges from Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 5 being the most severe. The wind speeds for each category are as follows:

• Category 1: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
• Category 2: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
• Category 3: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
• Category 4: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
• Category 5: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)

Hurricane Preparedness

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a hurricane, including:

• Create an emergency plan and practice it.
• Gather supplies, such as food, water, and first aid kits.
• Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• Stay informed about the hurricane and follow the instructions of local officials.

Hurricane Safety

If you are in the path of a hurricane, it is important to take precautions to stay safe, including:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Listen to the radio or television for updates on the hurricane.
• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.