**
Hurricane Wiki: The Ultimate Guide to Tropical Cyclones
** **What is a Hurricane?
**A hurricane is a tropical cyclone, a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by low atmospheric pressure, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. Hurricanes are the most powerful and destructive storms on Earth, capable of causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
**Formation of Hurricanes
**Hurricanes form when warm, moist air over the ocean surface rises rapidly, creating an area of low pressure. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, releasing energy that fuels the storm. Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters, where sea surface temperatures are at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
**Anatomy of a Hurricane
**Hurricanes have a distinct structure, with several key features:
- Eyewall: The eyewall is the region of the hurricane with the strongest winds, typically exceeding 110 miles per hour.
- Eye: The eye is the central region of the hurricane, characterized by calm winds and relatively clear skies.
- Spiral Rainbands: Hurricanes have multiple bands of thunderstorms that spiral outward from the eyewall, producing torrential rainfall.
Wind Speed and Categories
**The intensity of a hurricane is classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which assigns categories based on maximum sustained wind speeds:
| Category | Maximum Sustained Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| Tropical Depression | 39 mph or less |
| Tropical Storm | 39-73 mph |
| Category 1 | 74-95 mph |
| Category 2 | 96-110 mph |
| Category 3 | 111-129 mph |
| Category 4 | 130-156 mph |
| Category 5 | 157 mph or higher |
Impacts of Hurricanes
**Hurricanes can have devastating impacts on coastal communities:
- Storm Surge: Storm surge is a wall of water driven ashore by the hurricane's strong winds, resulting in flooding and property damage.
- Wind Damage: High winds can cause widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and trees.
- Flooding: Hurricanes can produce torrential rainfall, leading to flooding of low-lying areas and inland communities.
Preparing for Hurricanes
**Proper preparation is crucial to minimize the impacts of hurricanes. Communities should:
- Develop evacuation plans and identify safe evacuation routes.
- Stock up on food, water, and essential supplies.
- Secure homes and businesses against high winds and flooding.
- Stay informed about hurricane forecasts and warnings.
Stay Informed
**Stay up-to-date with the latest hurricane news and information from reputable sources such as the **[National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov)** and **[Weather Underground](https://www.wunderground.com)**.
