Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a weather system possessing extraordinary strength and power. They consist of wind and cloud that spirals to form an intense low pressure centre at ground level. The centre of the hurricane, the Eye, is relatively calm and cloud free. Winds circulating the Eye are the fastest, reaching speeds up to 190 kph or 120 mph. Hurricanes average 150 square kilometres in size. They can move slowly, their path meandering slightly, yet quite predictable, and are capable of reversing their direction.

Causes

The creation of hurricanes is a complex process and begins when great thunderstorms are generated over a warm tropical sea. Their energy is gathered from the sea and they usually weaken on contact with land. However, some do not for reasons that are not fully understood. They have a large pressure gradient and are large, severe depressions. They occur on the largest scale in the China Sea where hurricanes are referred to as typhoons, while those created in the Indian Ocean are named tropical cyclones.

Effects

High winds and rainfall can cause flooding and damage to crops, land and buildings. In some instances people may be injured or suffer loss of life. The brutal effects of a hurricane can be minimised or prevented by forecasting techniques, informing where and when it will strike and with how much force.