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Back to the Thunderstorms Index Page Hurricanes Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surges are very dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or hurricane. Hurricane Isabel Hurricane Frances Hurricane strength: Saffir-Simpson Category 1: Minimal Central Pressure: Greater than 980 millibars (mb) Wind: 74-95 miles per hour (mph) Storm Surge: 4-5 feet (ft) Damage: Damage mainly to trees, shrubbery, and unanchored mobile homes Category 2: Moderate Central Pressure: 965-979 mb Wind: 96-110 mph Storm Surge: 6-8 ft Damage: Some trees blown down; major damage to exposed mobile homes; some damage to roofs of buildings Category 3: Extensive Central Pressure: 945-964 mb Wind: 111-130 mph Storm Surge: 9-12 ft Damage: Foliage removed from trees; large trees blown down; mobile homes destroyed;some structural damage to small buildings Category 4: Extreme Central Pressure: 920-944 mb Wind: 131-155 mph Storm Surge: 13-18 mph Damage: All signs blown down; extensive damage to roofs, windows, and doors; complete destruction of mobile homes; flooding inland as far as 6 miles; major damage to lower floors of structures near shore Category 5: Catastrophic Central Pressure: Less than 920 mb Wind: Greater than 155 mph Storm Surge: Greater than 18 ft Damage: Severe damage to windows and doors; extensive damage to roofs of homes and industrial buildings; small buildings overturned and blown away; major damage to lower floors of all structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore

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