Definition: A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, a low-pressure cyclonic storm system common in the tropics characterized by rotating bands of high wind and heavy rains. Hurricanes typically start out as tropical depressions and grow into tropical storms before gaining the sustained wind speed (74 mph or greater) to be classified as hurricanes. Names are given when systems reach Tropical Storm strength, and storms retain their names if and when they become hurricanes.
Hurricane strength is gauged using the Saffir-Simpson Scale. A Category One hurricane has winds of 74-95 mph. A Category Two storm has winds of 96-110 mph. A Category Three storm has winds of 111-130 mph. A Category Four storm has winds of 131-155 mpg. And a Category Five storm has winds in excess of 156 mph.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which brings the occasional hurricane into the Caribbean Sea, generally runs from June to November.
Cyclonic storms with wind speeds lower than 74 mph are called either tropical storms or tropical depressions.
Also Known As: Tropical cyclone, typhoon
Examples:
Hurricane Katrina battered the city of New Orleans in 2005.
