What is a Hurricane?

Named after the Mayan god of wind, ‘Huracan’, hurricanes are destructive tropical storms that occur in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific Oceans. A hurricane is classified as a type of tropical cyclone, which typically form over warm water near the equator, becoming stronger and larger as the warmer air rises and is replaced by cooler air.

The Anatomy of a Hurricane

A hurricane is simply a large, rotating storm system. At the center is an ‘eye’, which is an area of low pressure surrounded by an ‘eye wall’, a thick band of intense thunderstorms filled with powerful winds, heavy localized rains and frequent lightning. Hurricanes start off as a tropical depression, with winds of 38 mph (61 km/h). Winds must reach 74 mph (119 km/h) before it can be classified as a tropical storm, and reach the dangerous ‘hurricane’ level of winds at 111 mph (178 km/h) or more.

The Power of a Hurricane

A hurricane can cause immense destruction in its path. A hurricane’s powerful winds can topple powerlines and trees, tear roofs off homes, uproot trees, shred buildings, and cause severe flooding. They can even spawn tornadoes, increasing the destruction. Furthermore, powerful storms can cause the dangerous storm surge, the rise in sea level due to a hurricane’s low atmospheric pressure. Storm surge often causes flooding along the coasts, which in turn can demolish buildings, damage infrastructure, and cause large-scale loss of property.

In conclusion, a hurricane is a massive storm system capable of inflicting immense destruction upon its path, and should always be given the respect it deserves.