Hurricanes

Hurricane

A hurricane is a rotating tropical storm with winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers) and hour.

Number of Tropical Disturbances

About a hundred develop each year.

Tropical Depressions

As the depression moves across the ocean, it's energy grows. If it's low pressure center intensifies and it's winds move at more than 39 miles (69 kilometers) an hour, the depression turns into a tropical storm

Cyclone

Cyclones develop over the Bay of Bengal and the northern Indian Ocean. They are also rotating tropical storms with winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

Tropical Disturbances

Disturbances take energy from the warm waters to grow into tropical depressions. Those are marked by an organized system of thunderstorms and top wind speeds of 38 miles (61 kilometers) an hour.

The Feeder Bands

Feeder bands are bands of rain with gusty winds. Since they are the outermost area of the hurricane they are the first signs of the coming storm.

The Eye Wall

The eye wall surrounds the eye. The fastest and most violent winds and most intense rains.

Hurricane Warning

If it is determined that the hurricane will hit in 24 hours, a hurricane warning is issued.

Hurricane Watch

If the hurricane poses as a possible threat then the NOAA makes a hurricane watch.

What % Developes Into More Than a Tropical Disturbance

Less than 10% develop into more than thunderstorms.

The Saffir Scale

Meteorologists use the Saffir-Simpson hurricane damage potential scale.

Atlantic Hurricanes

Most of Atlantic Hurricanes form near the Cape Verde Islands off Africa's west coast.

Tropical Storm

Once a Tropical Storm's winds hit a constant speed of at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) and hour, it becomes a hurricane.

Most Dangerous Part

Storm surges are usually the most dangerous part of a hurricane. The surge is the rise of sea level itself, causing flooding.

NOAA

The U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Eye

The middle (which is called the eye) is 20 to 230 miles wide. It is the calmest part of the storm.

Hurricane Hunters

They are a six person team that flies straight into a hurricane and take measurements.

Direction of Rotation

They rotate counterclockwise.

Tracking Down Hurricanes

They use satellite imagery, airborne reconnaissance, and computer-model projections to track a hurricane.

Typhoon

Typhoons develop over the western pacific. They are also rotating tropical storms with winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

Ideal Contitions

Warm air, high humidity, and low pressure are ideal conditions for hurricane formation.