What Is a Hurricane? Everything You Need to Know.

A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm that forms over warm ocean waters. These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and their circular shape, with a calm centre known as the “eye.” When hurricanes make landfall, they can cause devastating effects, including flooding, storm surges, and widespread destruction.

How Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes form when warm, moist air from the ocean rises and meets cooler air above, creating low pressure. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses into clouds, releasing heat. This heat drives the storm, causing more warm air to rise and fuelling the growing system. A combination of warm ocean temperatures, high humidity, and low wind shear (winds at different heights moving at different speeds) allows hurricanes to intensify. These storms often form near the equator in tropical regions, where ocean temperatures are at least 26°C (79°F).

Types of Hurricanes (Based on Wind Speed)

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

1. Category 1: Wind speeds of 74–95 mph (119–153 km/h) – Minor damage
2. Category 2: Wind speeds of 96–110 mph (154–177 km/h) – Moderate damage
3. Category 3: Wind speeds of 111–129 mph (178–208 km/h) – Extensive damage (Major hurricane)
4. Category 4: Wind speeds of 130–156 mph (209–251 km/h) – Catastrophic damage (Major hurricane)
5. Category 5: Wind speeds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher – Total devastation

Regions Most Affected by Hurricanes

Hurricanes frequently occur in certain regions, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas:

1. Atlantic Ocean: The most hurricane-prone area is the North Atlantic, especially the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern coast of the United States.
2. Pacific Ocean: The Eastern Pacific (west coast of Mexico) also experiences hurricanes, though fewer affect land.
3. Northwest Pacific Ocean: Typhoons affect countries like Japan, the Philippines, and China.
4. Indian Ocean: Cyclones impact countries like India, Bangladesh, and East Africa.
5. South Pacific Ocean: Cyclones also hit Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with most storms occurring between August and October. The Northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean experience year-round storm activity, but the peak season is generally from May to October.

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Also Read: How Hurricane Helene and Milton Shattered U.S. Records.

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Major Catastrophic Hurricanes in the Last 100 Years

Over the past century, several catastrophic hurricanes have caused immense destruction and loss of life. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Hurricane Katrina (2005) – One of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, Katrina hit New Orleans, causing over 1,800 deaths and $125 billion in damage due to severe flooding and storm surges.
2. Galveston Hurricane (1900) – The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history struck Galveston, Texas, killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.
3. Hurricane Maria (2017) – This Category 5 hurricane devastated Puerto Rico, killing nearly 3,000 people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
4. Bhola Cyclone (1970) – A cyclone that hit Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and West Bengal, India, killing an estimated 300,000–500,000 people, making it the deadliest tropical cyclone on record.
5. Super Typhoon Haiyan (2013) – One of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, Haiyan struck the Philippines, killing over 6,300 people and displacing millions.
6. Hurricane Andrew (1992) – A Category 5 hurricane that hit Florida and Louisiana, causing $27 billion in damage and reshaping building codes in the region.
7. Hurricane Sandy (2012) – Nicknamed “Superstorm Sandy,” this storm caused widespread flooding along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in New York and New Jersey, with damages totaling $70 billion.
8. Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004) – Although technically not a hurricane, a massive undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered tsunamis that devastated coastlines, killing 230,000 people across 14 countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and India.

Names of Ocean and Sea Storms Around the World

Tropical storms have different names depending on the region where they form:

• Hurricane: Used in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Eastern North Pacific.
• Typhoon: Occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (affecting countries like Japan, China, and the Philippines).
• Cyclone: Found in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean (affecting countries like India, Bangladesh, and Australia).
• Willy-Willy: A term used in Australia for tropical cyclones.

Other types of ocean storms include:

1. Tropical Storm: Wind speeds between 39–73 mph (63–118 km/h).
2. Monsoon Depression: Storms forming over the Indian Ocean during the monsoon season.
3. Medicane (Mediterranean Hurricane): Rare tropical-like storms in the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Polar Low: Small, intense storms forming over cold Arctic or Antarctic waters.

Hurricanes and other ocean storms such as typhoons, cyclones, and tropical storms can cause severe destruction. These storms typically form in tropical regions with warm waters and favourable atmospheric conditions. Areas like the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Northwest Pacific, and the Indian Ocean are highly vulnerable to these powerful storms. Some of the deadliest hurricanes and cyclones in the past 100 years have caused widespread devastation, reminding us of the importance of preparedness and response to natural disasters. Understanding the different names and regions affected can help us stay informed and ready for future storms.