definition_cause_hurricanes

Hurricane Definition

General Information

Hurricanes are the products of the tropical ocean and atmosphere. They are powered by the heat from the sea and directed by the easterly winds.

Hurricanes aren't the largest storms in the world, and they aren't the most violent, but hurricanes combine those qualities unlike any other natural disaster. The name hurricane actually comes from the colonial Spanish and Caribbean Indian words for evil spirits.

There are many terms that go along with Hurricanes.

Term or name

Definition or explanation

Hurricane

A tropical cyclone with a maximum sustained surface wind of 74 miles per hour or greater. Some people say a hurricane is similar to a tornado on water.

Tropical Storm

A tropical cyclone where the maximum surface wind ranges from 39-73 mph or greater.

Tropical Disturbance

A moving are of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or mare. This is a common phenomenon in the tropics.

Tropical Wave

A trough of low pressure in the trade wind easterlies.

Tropical Storm Watch

This is issued for a coastal are when there is the threat of a tropical storm and conditions within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning

A warning for a tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds with a range of 39 to 73 mph which are usually expected in or around a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Hurricane Watch

This is an announcement that hurricane conditions pose a threat to a certain coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning

A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in a coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Storm Surge

An abnormal rise of the sea shore as a result of winds in the storm. It is also described as a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the land nearest the hurricane. The high waters topped with waves can be devastating. The storm surge is what kills nine out of ten victims in a hurricane.

Flash Flood Watch

Flash flood conditions are possible within a certain watch area. This watch tells everybody to BE ALERT.

Flash Flood Warning

Flash flooding has been reported or will soon happen. This warning tells people to TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION.

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Term or name	Definition or explanation
Hurricane	A tropical cyclone with a maximum sustained surface wind of 74 miles per hour or greater. Some people say a hurricane is similar to a tornado on water.
Tropical Storm	A tropical cyclone where the maximum surface wind ranges from 39-73 mph or greater.
Tropical Disturbance	A moving are of thunderstorms in the Tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or mare. This is a common phenomenon in the tropics.
Tropical Wave	A trough of low pressure in the trade wind easterlies.
Tropical Storm Watch	This is issued for a coastal are when there is the threat of a tropical storm and conditions within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning	A warning for a tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds with a range of 39 to 73 mph which are usually expected in or around a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.
Hurricane Watch	This is an announcement that hurricane conditions pose a threat to a certain coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning	A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in a coastal area within 24 hours or less.
Storm Surge	An abnormal rise of the sea shore as a result of winds in the storm. It is also described as a large dome of water often 50 to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the land nearest the hurricane. The high waters topped with waves can be devastating. The storm surge is what kills nine out of ten victims in a hurricane.
Flash Flood Watch	Flash flood conditions are possible within a certain watch area. This watch tells everybody to BE ALERT.
Flash Flood Warning	Flash flooding has been reported or will soon happen. This warning tells people to TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION.