Hurricane
This is a type of tropical cyclone that includes severe thunderstorms and wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or more. The wind speed is the key in determining if the weather system is a hurricane, a tropical storm or tropical depression.
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Hurricanes form with the help of warm water and a high level of moisture in the atmosphere. The warm water heats the air as low pressure winds form in the center, and allows for thunderstorms to form as the warm air rises due to the heat. As hurricanes move north, and thus over larger landmasses, they lose their source of energy — warm water — and slowly dissipate.
Hurricanes in the western hemisphere are named on a rotating male-female basis, with the names of particularly devastating hurricanes retired from future lists. Naming hurricanes came about to assist in both tracking hurricanes, especially in the case of multiple storms, but also easily relaying information to the public.
In the event of a hurricane, putting shutters over the windows, clearing the yard of any furniture that may be blown into the home and preparing a supply of water are all necessary steps. If an evacuation order has been declared, follow it. A hurricane preparedness brochure from the state or local government should have more details on this.
Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics.shtml and http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaqHED.html
(Text by Noel Kirkpatrick
(Photo: NASA Goddard Photo and Video/Flickr)
Articles about Hurricane
Thu, May 24 2012 at 6:58 PM EST
Bud, the first eastern Pacific hurricane of the 2012 season, has strengthened to a category 2 storm.Thu, May 24 2012 at 12:41 PM EST
With an average hurricane season expected, officials say that if El Niño forms in the Pacific Ocean then the number of hurricanes could be somewhat lower.Wed, May 23 2012 at 9:23 AM EST
Filled with a high amount of latent heat, the 'hot tower' rain clouds serve as the engine that drives hurricanes forward.Sat, May 19 2012 at 5:49 PM EST
Alberto was the earliest tropical storm to form in the Atlantic since 2003, and the first to form before the official start of hurricane season.Wed, Apr 25 2012 at 4:25 PM EST
Large volcano eruptions can reduce global temperatures, creating a less hospitable environment for hurricanes and tropical storms.Thu, Apr 05 2012 at 11:14 AM EST
The number hurricanes will be below average this season due to a cooling of tropical waters and the potential development of El Nino conditions.Mon, Apr 02 2012 at 3:21 AM EST
Fiji struggled Monday with devastating floods as authorities warned that conditions could worsen with a cyclone bearing down.Wed, Feb 15 2012 at 12:20 PM EST
Cyclone brings heavy rain and high winds to Madagascar, lashing the towns of Tamatave and Brickaville on the east coast.Thu, Feb 09 2012 at 2:21 PM EST
We've got tips for how to avoid buying a car that might have survived a hurricane or been flood damaged.Tue, Dec 20 2011 at 5:13 PM EST
The 2012 season should have 12 named storms and 7 hurricanes, Weather Services International said.- 1. Solar Storm
- 2. Recipes
- 3. Earthquake News
- 4. Tornado
- 5. Chevy Volt
- 6. Wind Power
- 7. Green Cleaning
- 8. Green Technology
- 9. Apple
- 10. Global Warming
