Photograph courtesy NASA/GSFC
Hurricanes are giant, spiraling tropical storms that can pack wind speeds of over 160 miles (257 kilometers) an hour and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons (9 trillion liters) of rain a day. These same tropical storms are known as cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, and as typhoons in the western Pacific Ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane season peaks from mid-August to late October and averages five to six hurricanes per year.
Hurricanes begin as tropical disturbances in warm ocean waters with surface temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.5 degrees Celsius). These low pressure systems are fed by energy from the warm seas. If a storm achieves wind speeds of 38 miles (61 kilometers) an hour, it becomes known as a tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a tropical storm, and is given a name, when its sustained wind speeds top 39 miles (63 kilometers) an hour. When a storm’s sustained wind speeds reach 74 miles (119 kilometers) an hour it becomes a hurricane and earns a category rating of 1 to 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Hurricanes are enormous heat engines that generate energy on a staggering scale. They draw heat from warm, moist ocean air and release it through condensation of water vapor in thunderstorms.
Hurricanes spin around a low-pressure center known as the “eye.” Sinking air makes this 20- to 30-mile-wide (32- to 48-kilometer-wide) area notoriously calm. But the eye is surrounded by a circular “eye wall” that hosts the storm’s strongest winds and rain.
These storms bring destruction ashore in many different ways. When a hurricane makes landfall it often produces a devastating storm surge that can reach 20 feet (6 meters) high and extend nearly 100 miles (161 kilometers). Ninety percent of all hurricane deaths result from storm surges.
A hurricane’s high winds are also destructive and may spawn tornadoes. Torrential rains cause further damage by spawning floods and landslides, which may occur many miles inland.
The best defense against a hurricane is an accurate forecast that gives people time to get out of its way. The National Hurricane Center issues hurricane watches for storms that may endanger communities, and hurricane warnings for storms that will make landfall within 24 hours.
Environment Quizzes
More About Hurricanes
-
Why Irene Wouldn't Die
Despite unexpectedly low damage assessments, the hurricane was bigger and longer lasting than it had any right to be, experts say.
-
Pictures: Hurricane Irene Aftermath
In the wake of Irene, New York, Virginia Beach, and other U.S. East Coast cities recover amid flooding and the debris of damaged homes.
-
Blog: Five Years After Katrina, An Important Lesson Goes Unlearned
While hurricanes, droughts, floods, and storm surges are natural events, the degree of disaster is often now heavily influenced by humans.
-
Photos: Katrina, Five Years Later
Houses wiped off the map, submerged islands, and flooded cemeteries—see how sites hit by Hurricane Katrina five years ago are faring in 2010.
-
Sewage Could Spawn Hurricane Protection
New Orleans plans to pipe semi-treated sewage into a bayou to help regrow a cypress-tupelo wetland and protect the Lower Ninth Ward.
-
"Firecane" Myth Busted
Flaming, oily hurricanes and "black rain" are no danger to Gulf residents on Katrina's fifth anniversary—or to anyone, anywhere, experts say.
-
Ocean Color Can Deflect Hurricanes?
When seas change color, storms change direction, a new study suggests.
The Green Guide
Shop National Geographic
Advertisement
Green Living Hot Topics
-
Organic Air Fresheners
Avoid toxic chemicals and create a calming space.
-
Surprising Recyclable Household Items
With a little know-how, you can recycle more than you think.
-
Side Effects of Vegetarianism
Find out how to stay healthy and eat lower on the food chain.
More on Japan's Earthquake and the Pacific Ocean Tsunami
-
Japan's Energy Shortage
By summer, no nuclear plants will be operating in Japan, where mistrust reverberates one year after the world’s second-worst nuclear accident, at Fukushima Daiichi.
-
Photos: Japan Tsunami, Then and Now
A year ago Sunday, the March 11 Japan tsunami flooded highways, tossed boats and cars, and leveled cities. See what the region looks like now.
-
Where Will Next Tsunami Hit?
One year after the great Japan earthquake and tsunami, at least six other places worldwide are vulnerable to giant killer waves.
Special Ad Section
The World's Water
-
Visualizing Our Global Water Footprint
You might be surprised to see how the daily choices you make affect critical watersheds around the world.
-
How Much Water Per Pound?
How much water does it take to put beef, pork, wheat, and more on your plate? Explore our water footprint interactive and find out.
National Geographic Magazine
-
Photos: In the Field
Browse breathtaking images of life on the Serengeti.
-
A Thing or Two About Twins
Can the unique bond between identical twins be explained?
-
Visions of Earth
Browse stunning images of our planet as seen through a photographer's eye.
