Hurricanes are powerful weather events that form over warm oceans, especially in tropical areas. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and a spinning structure with an “eye” at the center. In order for a hurricane to form, the ocean temperature must be above 26°C (79°F).
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on wind speed, according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale. A Category 1 hurricane has winds between 119 and 153 km/h (74–95 mph), while a Category 5 hurricane can exceed 250 km/h (155+ mph). In the Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. The most affected regions are the Caribbean, the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America.
Although hurricanes can cause severe damage, modern technology allows scientists to predict their path and take preventive actions, such as evacuations and early warnings, to protect the population.
