Life Cycle:
- Formation- Storms in disturbed area of ocean
- Tropical depression- Thunderstorms start to swirl around a centre
- Tropical storm- Winds over 39 mph
- Hurricane- Winds over 74 mph
Inside:
- Eye Wall – Composed of dense clouds that contain the strongest winds in the storm.
- Eye- Relatively calm, center area approximately 20-40 miles across.
- Warm Air- Rises from the ocean fueling the storm.
- Rainbands- Thunderstorms ranging from a few miles to tens of miles wide and 50 to 300 miles long.
Formation:
- Hurricanes form over tropical waters in areas of high humidity, light winds, and warm sea surface temperatures, typically 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Hurricane Facts:
- On average, two major hurricanes (categories3-5) hit every three years.
- 95% of all intense hurricane activity occurs from August to October.
- 85% of all major hurricanes (category 3, 4 & 5) originate from African easterly waves.
- 6,850 miles is the longest distance traveled. Hurricane Faith in 1966.
Hurricane Categories:
- Category 1– Minimal Damage, Wind factor 74-95
- Category 2– Moderate Damage, Wind factor 96-110
- Category 3– Extensive Damage, Wind factor 111-129
- Category 4– Extreme Damage, Wind factor 130-156
- Category 5– Catastrophic Damage, Wind factor 157+
