A tropical cyclone is a low pressure system with rotating thunderstorms. Once sustained windspeeds of 74 mph (64 knots) is reached, it is then considered a Hurricane. Hurricane's are also referred to by another name depending on their origin. In general, tropical cyclones that form in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans are known as Hurricanes and ones that form in the western Pacific are called Typhoons.
As one of the most powerful storms on earth, Hurricanes are capable of producing torrential rain, destructive winds of more than 150 mph and a deadly storm surge. In order to understand the magnitude of these storms, experts have devised a scale that incorporates the potential damage caused by wind and other factors to indicate the intensity of the hurricane. This scale is known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This scale has 5 categories to which a Hurricane can be classified in as it strengthens or weakens during its life.
As one of the most powerful storms on earth, Hurricanes are capable of producing torrential rain, destructive winds of more than 150 mph and a deadly storm surge. In order to understand the magnitude of these storms, experts have devised a scale that incorporates the potential damage caused by wind and other factors to indicate the intensity of the hurricane. This scale is known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This scale has 5 categories to which a Hurricane can be classified in as it strengthens or weakens during its life.
For more information and a detailed description of each category of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, click here.
Hurricanes can be massive in size as seen in the top image above. "Typical hurricanes are about 300 miles wide although they can vary considerably in size" (Hurricane Basics). In addition, a large scale Hurricane does not always correspond to a more powerful storm. Intensity often depends on wind speeds and the amount of rainfall.
So, what causes these storms to form? There are a number of components that are essential to the development of a Hurricane. This is what we explore next and we begin with the key ingredients that are needed to fuel the storm.
Hurricanes can be massive in size as seen in the top image above. "Typical hurricanes are about 300 miles wide although they can vary considerably in size" (Hurricane Basics). In addition, a large scale Hurricane does not always correspond to a more powerful storm. Intensity often depends on wind speeds and the amount of rainfall.
So, what causes these storms to form? There are a number of components that are essential to the development of a Hurricane. This is what we explore next and we begin with the key ingredients that are needed to fuel the storm.