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Hurricanes Quick Facts  QUICK FACTS - Hurricanes The word `hurricane' comes from the West Indian god of storms. Hurricanes are areas of intense low pressure and start within 8º and 15º north and south of the Equator. The lifespan of a hurricane is about 7 to 14 days. However, it only stays in one place for a few hours. Hurricanes form over warm, tropical seas and when the temperature is higher than 26ºC. Once formed, hurricanes tend to move westwards and when they reach land, move polewards. Every hurricane is named to prevent confusion when issuing forecasts and evacuation notices. The names alternate between male and female and each year the first hurricane named begins with an A, the second a B, etc. Once it has been used, a name is never used again. In the US, hurricanes are graded from 1-5 according to their wind speed, pressure and damage they create. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was a category 5 hurricane that struck the Bahamas and Florida and Louisiana in the USA. It killed 65 people, demolished 2 towns and destroyed 25,000 homes. Not that it is possible: but if you could harness the energy from a hurricane for one day - you could keep the US in electricity for 6 months. The size of a hurricane can range from 160 to 500 km across, with wind speeds of up to 360 kmph (220 mph). However, the weather in the eye of a hurricane is amazingly clear - light winds and blue skies. Tropical storms, like hurricanes are common in Asia and the Caribbean and can cause major damage, destroying buildings and crops. However, the torrential rains brought by hurricanes, are also a necessity for the agriculture and vegetation on many tropical islands. In 1805, Sir Francis Beaufort devised a scale for measuring the speed of the wind. Wind strengths are based on a 13-point scale: Beaufort Scale Description Force O Calm Force 1 Light Air Force 2 Light Breeze Force 3 Gentle Breeze Force 4 Moderate Breeze Force 5 Fresh Breeze Force 6 Strong Breeze Force 7 Near Gale Force 8 Gale Force 9 Strong Gale Force 10 Storm Force 11 Violent Storm Force 12 Hurricane More Information >>        Hurricanes Contents >> Quick Facts<< Introduction What Are Hurricanes ? Where Do They Occur ? Why Do They Occur ? Hurricane Disasters Hurricane Hunters Conclusions Useful Links