Hurricanes 101 | National Geographic
Understanding Hurricanes: Formation and Impact
The Nature of Hurricanes
- Cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes are powerful storms recognized globally, with a thorough understanding of their formation and sustenance by scientists.
- Hurricane season in the Atlantic peaks during late summer when tropical waters are warmest, facilitating hurricane development from clusters of thunderstorms.
Structure of a Hurricane
- A hurricane features an eye at its center, providing a calm area with a radius of 20 to 30 miles, surrounded by the eye wall—where the fastest winds occur.
- Curved bands of clouds known as rainbands extend outward from the eye wall, often releasing heavy rainfall and sometimes spawning tornadoes.
Classification and Dangers
- A tropical storm becomes classified as a hurricane once wind speeds reach at least 74 miles per hour; it is then rated on the Saffir-Simpson Scale from one to five based on wind speed and potential damage.
- Storm surge poses a significant threat during hurricanes, pushing water towards shorelines up to 20 feet above sea level; it accounts for 90% of all hurricane-related fatalities.
Ecological Role of Hurricanes