Hurricanes
1
What is a hurricane?
• Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone
• Tropical cyclones can be classified as:
-
Tropical Depression – maximum
wind speed 38 mph.
Tropical Storm – maximum wind speed
39-73 mph.
Hurricane – maximum wind speed 74
mph or higher.
2
Where do hurricanes occur?
3
Hurricane Information
• An average hurricane can travel about 300•
•
•
400 miles a day and lasts up to 10 days
A typical hurricane system is about 400 miles
in diameter.
The whole storm may be 5-6 miles high.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on 1st
June and ends on 30th November each year.
4
Hurricane Formation
Conditions required for hurricane
formation:
• Low-pressure system
• Warm temperatures over the ocean –
greater than 27O C
• Tropical wind patterns over the equator
• Rain
5
Hurricane Structure
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