Hurricanes

What is a Hurricane? - a hurricane basically consists of a tropical cyclone/storm, in which it speeds meet or exceed 74mph(119kph). A Hurricane can produce torrential downpours, thunder, tornadoes, lightning and heavy storm surges. The eye of a hurricane can be anywhere from 20-30 miles spread. The Hurricane itself can span 400miles or more sometimes exceeding this.

What needs to be present for a hurricane to suffice? - for a hurricane to come about or suffice you need 4 key ingredients if you will. The first is a -low pressure system, -second a moist enviroment, -warm over-ocean temperature, and lastly -Tropical wind patterns over the equator. Mix these key ingredients together and walla! Hurricane!

Some Notable Hurricanes

  1. Hurricane at Galveston, Texas in 1900. - this hurricane claimed over 6,000 lives, this storm is noted for being one of this countries greatest disasters.
  2. Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 - this hurricane ended up being a category 5 hurricane, which was 1 of 3 that hit the U.S. in the 20th century. This hurricane ended up creating a storm surge 18 to 20 feet tall that cause extreme damage to the northern Florida Keys area. This hurricane is estimated to have killed over 400 people.
  3. Hurricane Camille - This hurricane hit Louisiana and Mississippi in 1969. Hurricane Camille caused a 24 foot storm surge that killed 256 people and caused flooding in many of area, all the way up to New England. Hurricane Camille ended up with winds reaching in the 190+ mph. Camille is also the 2nd Category 5 hurricane to hit the U.S. in the 20th century. Also to note Camille is believed to be the strongest landfalling tropical cyclone recorded worldwide!
  4. Hurricane Katrina - Hurricane Katrina is named the most costliest hurricane to date in the U.S.. Hurricane Katrina Caused an estimated $81.2 billion dollars worth of damage in 2005. Believed to be $89.2 billion dollars to date. Katrina hit many areas but caused hellacious damage in Greater New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina claimed a confirmed 1,836 lives, and 705 people went missing. Katrina recorded winds in excess of 175mph and a low pressure of 902mbar.