Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone that originate in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Pacific Ocean, in waters of at least 80 degrees. In order to be classified as a hurricane, sustained wind speed must pass the 74 mile per hour threshold. The intensity of a hurricane is measured using the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with the hurricane being classified into categories 1-5. The spiraling winds of a hurricane move very forcefully upward and inward, and may reach speeds of 200 miles per hour. The strength of a hurricane is provided from the heat and energy of the ocean waters. In the Northern Hemisphere, movement is in a clockwise direction, and the direction is counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The center of storm is the calmest area, and is called the “eye” of the storm. There are many dangers associated with hurricanes – some of which include wind, rain, lightning, floods, tornadoes and storm surge. The storm surge, the rising wall of water created by hurricanes coming ashore, is considered to be the most dangerous aspect. The storm surge can cause major flooding, and this accounts for 90 percent of the deaths from hurricane events. Most hurricanes are formed during the fall months, with the peak of the Atlantic hurricane being mid-August through October. Hurricanes are named, using alternating male-female names, and use the ABC order.
Sources:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/hurricane-profile/
http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes