If you are a resident in an area prone to hurricanes, it is always helpful to learn as much as possible about the inevitable storms that hit our coast annually during hurricane season. Here are ten informative facts about hurricanes and the history of the hurricanes that have devasted certain areas along the coastlines of the United States.
- The term “hurricane” is specifically used to describe tropical cyclones that form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. In the western Pacific Ocean, these storms are called typhoons, and in the Indian Ocean, they are called cyclones.
- Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.
- The strongest hurricanes are classified as Category 5, with wind speeds greater than 156 mph. These storms can cause catastrophic damage, including widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
- Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005, is one of the most destructive hurricanes in history. It caused over 1,800 deaths and caused an estimated $125 billion in damages.
- Hurricane Andrew, which struck Florida in 1992, was the first hurricane to be designated as a Category 5 storm since Camille in 1969. It caused 65 deaths and over $26 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history at the time.
- Hurricane Irma, which struck the Caribbean and the southeastern United States in 2017, was the longest-lasting Category 5 hurricane on record, with winds of 185 mph and a diameter of more than 500 miles.
- Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico in 2017, caused widespread damage and power outages across the island, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The storm caused over 3,000 deaths and caused an estimated $90 billion in damages.
- Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas and Louisiana in 2017, was the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005. It caused over 100 deaths and caused an estimated $125 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.
- The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to classify hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds of 74-95 mph, while Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds greater than 156 mph.
- The eye of a hurricane is the area at the center of the storm, where the wind and rain are calm. The eye of a hurricane can be 20-40 miles wide and can last for several ho
