Hurricanes are large, swirling storms with very low pressure and winds between 75-200 mph that form over warm ocean waters. They rotate counterclockwise around an eye, which is the center of calm within the storm. When hurricanes make landfall, they can cause severe damage from high winds and heavy rain as well as storm surges, which are rises in sea level that can flood coastal areas. Hurricanes are monitored and categorized on a scale of 1 to 5 based on their wind speeds and potential for property damage.

5. Storm Surge

11. Hurricane Paths for 2005

12. Categorizing Hurricanes-VIDEO Category 1 74-95 mph winds Least amount of damage Category 2 96-110 mph winds Will rip shingles off of roofs Category 3 111-130 mph winds Blows down trees, destroys mobile homes Category 4 131-155 mph winds Extensive damage, high chance of flooding Category 5 156+ mph winds Small buildings are overturned or blown away