Hurricanes or tropical cyclones are characterized by a low-pressure core that generates thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain.- It’s been observed that spin direction of Hurricanes is different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, the storms spin counterclockwise. In the Southern Hemisphere, the storms spin clockwise. The difference is due to the spin of the Earth’s axis.
- Based on their spin direction, in the Northern Hemisphere, they are known as hurricanes and in the Southern Hemisphere, they are called cyclones and typhoons (primarily Asia)
- According to one source, the word “Hurricane” is derived from the Spanish word “huracn”, the origin of which is the Carib term for “God of Evil”. According to another sources, the word is derived from the name of the Mayan storm god, “Hurakan.”
- As per technical calculation before a hurricane becomes a hurricane, it is called a tropical storm which means it has winds from 39-73 MPH. Once the storm passes 73 MPH, it is then called a hurricane.
- Based on speed hurricanes are classified into five categories (1 to 5 ) ‑- A Category 5 storms bears winds above 155 MPH
- Over the past two centuries, tropical cyclones have been responsible for the deaths of about 1.9 million people worldwide
- The 1970 Bhola cyclone is the deadliest tropical cyclone on record, killing more than 300,000 people.
- Hurricane Katrina is estimated as the costliest tropical cyclone worldwide, causing $81.2 billion in property damage with overall damage estimates exceeding $100 billion, Katrina killed at least 1,836 people after striking Louisianaand Mississippi as a major hurricane in August 2005.
- The most intense storm on record was Typhoon Tip in the northwestern Pacific Ocean in 1979, which reached a minimum pressure of 870 mbar (25.69 inHg) and maximum sustained wind speeds of 190 miles per hour (310 km/h)
- Hurricane John is the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, lasting 31 days in 1994.
- On an average there are 87 cyclones come every year worldwide.
- Category 5 hurricane can releases the energy of 10 atomic bombs per second.
- The planet Jupiter has a hurricane which has been going on for over 300 years. It can be seen as a red spot on the planet. This hurricane on Jupiter is bigger than the Earth itself.
- In 1938, a man on Long Island bought a barometer. The instrument signaled a hurricane but the man thought it was defective and went back to the store to complain. When he returned, he found his house has been swept away from a hurricane. It turned out the barometer was correct.
Hurricane….Its a nightmare…..
Which place on earth is free from Hurricane, earthQuake, flood and other natural disasters?
Good question Lee….Even I am searching for such place……
I hope Hurricane Irene won’t be as deadly as Katrina. Also I hope tropical cyclones do not happen as they seem to be the most dangerous storm that claimed 1.9 million worldwide wow.
Great article Sandy… you are progressing very well..keep it up..
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That is a subject near to my heart cheers.