Powerful Storms
Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are powerful storms bringing heavy rain, high winds, and potentially high waves, storm surges, and tornadoes. Hurricanes cause the greatest destruction when they hit land, the largest reaping enormous financial destruction and loss of human life.
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.
References
Fast Facts
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Tropical
Most hurricanes form in the tropical regions of the planet
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Hurricane Katrina
Struck August 2005, the most famous hurricane of recent history caused 1,836 deaths and $81 billion in financial loss
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Miami
1926, this hurricane caused the worst recorded financial loss of $157 billion
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Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale
The classification system in the western hemisphere, giving category 1-5 ratings for hurricanes, depending on sustained top wind speed.
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Greenhouse Effect
Modeling studies predict a 1/2 category increase in hurricane intensity for each 2 °C (3.6 °F) of global warming
