Hurricanes are powerful cyclonic storms that form over warm ocean waters and have sustained winds over 74 mph. They rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and require specific conditions like warm ocean temperatures, low wind shear, and low pressure to develop. The major source of energy for hurricanes is heat released by evaporation from the ocean surface. Hurricanes are categorized using the Saffir-Simpson scale based on their wind speeds and central pressure. Significant damage from hurricanes is typically caused by high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, and storm surge.