A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Hurricanes can cause significant damage due to their high winds, storm surges, and flooding. They are classified into categories based on their wind speeds, with Category 1 being the least severe and Category 5 being the most severe.

The formation of a hurricane typically requires warm ocean water (at least 26.5 degrees Celsius or 80 degrees Fahrenheit), moist air, and a pre-existing weather disturbance. As the storm strengthens, it can develop a well-defined center known as the eye, which is surrounded by a ring of intense thunderstorms called the eyewall.

Hurricanes can have devastating effects on coastal areas, leading to evacuations, property damage, and loss of life. Meteorologists use various tools and models to track and predict the path of hurricanes to help prepare and mitigate their impact.

The history of hurricanes dates back thousands of years, with records of tropical storms and hurricanes noted by various cultures. The term “hurricane” itself comes from the Taino Native American word “hurucan,” which referred to the god of storms.