In the western hemisphere, hurricanes are commonly categorized on a scale of 1-5, with Category 5 being the highest. The number is determined by the intensities of their sustained winds.

Hurricanes are characterized by very low atmospheric pressure and are driven by heat of condensation, which causes moist air to rise as water condenses. Sinking air at the center of a hurricane is known as it's eye.

1. Tropical: Most hurricanes form in the tropical regions of the planet
2. Hurricane Katrina: Struck August 2005, the most famous hurricane of recent history caused 1,836 deaths and $81 billion in financial loss
3. Miami: 1926, this hurricane caused the worst recorded financial loss of $157 billion
4. Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale: The classification system in the western hemisphere, giving category 1-5 ratings for hurricanes, depending on sustained top wind speed.
5. Greenhouse Effect: Modeling studies predict a 1/2 category increase in hurricane intensity for each 2 °C (3.6 °F) of global warming

• Hurricanes
  
• Hurricane Gustav Photos
  
• Hurricane Season 2009
  
• Hurricane Katrina