Tropical cyclonic storms

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are massive tropical cyclonic storm systems with winds exceeding 119 km/hr (74 miles/hour). The same phenomena is given different names in different parts of the world. In the western Pacific they are called typhoons, and in the southern hemisphere they are called cyclones. But no matter where they occur they represent the same process. Hurricanes are dangerous because of their high winds, the storm surge produced as they approach a coast, and the severe thunderstorms associated with them. Although death due to hurricanes has decreased in recent years due to better methods of forecasting and establishment of early warning systems, the economic damage from hurricanes has increased as more and more development takes place along coastlines. It should be noted that coastal areas are not the only areas subject to hurricane damage. Although hurricanes loose strength as they move over land, they still carry vast amounts of moisture onto the land causing thunderstorms with associated flash floods and mass-wasting hazards.