Genesis of a hurricane
Like all tropical cyclones, hurricanes are fueled by heat at the ocean's surface, spiraling outward from the low-pressure core called the eye. To become a hurricane, a storm must first graduate from a tropical depression (winds below 38 mph) to a tropical storm (winds 39-73 mph), and then achieve sustained winds above 74 mph.
Developed Structure of an Atlantic Hurricane Hurricane:
Hurricanes are sorted into five Categories based on wind speed. According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricanes rated at Categories 1 and 2 (winds 74-110 mph) range from "very" to "extremely" dangerous, while those reaching Categories 3, 4, and 5 (winds above 111 mph) produce damage from "devastating" to "catastrophic."
Hurricane Season lasts six months, from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in early September. A Hurricane Watch indicates that hurricane-force winds are possible within 48 hours, while a Hurricane Warning means that such winds are expected within 36 hours. Similarly, a Storm Surge Watch denotes possible life-threatening flooding within 48 hours, and a Storm Surge Warning cautions that deadly flooding is expected within 36 hours.
To maximize your safety, authorities recommend gathering supplies and strengthening your home long before a storm is expected, so start now! Check out FEMA's hurricane preparation guide here, and learn about the local experts at J.P. Roberts Company here.
Explore below to see live ocean conditions, check for current cyclones, and learn about past hurricanes.
Hurricane Season lasts six months, from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in early September. A Hurricane Watch indicates that hurricane-force winds are possible within 48 hours, while a Hurricane Warning means that such winds are expected within 36 hours. Similarly, a Storm Surge Watch denotes possible life-threatening flooding within 48 hours, and a Storm Surge Warning cautions that deadly flooding is expected within 36 hours.
To maximize your safety, authorities recommend gathering supplies and strengthening your home long before a storm is expected, so start now! Check out FEMA's hurricane preparation guide here, and learn about the local experts at J.P. Roberts Company here.
Explore below to see live ocean conditions, check for current cyclones, and learn about past hurricanes.
Ingredients for a Hurricane
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Moist Ocean Air
Current Humidity (%) High Winds at the Equator
Current Winds (mph) |
Ocean Temperatures Above 80°F
Current Sea Temperature (°F) Low Air Pressure
Current Pressure (Hg) |
CURRENT CYCLONES
Straight from the experts at NOAA, this map shows all tropical disturbances in the Atlantic.
Recent Trajectories
2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Unusually warm waters produced the third consecutive year of highly destructive hurricanes
Hurricanes: 8 • Damage: $50 billion • Fatalities: 173
Unusually warm waters produced the third consecutive year of highly destructive hurricanes
Hurricanes: 8 • Damage: $50 billion • Fatalities: 173
Hurricane Michael
The first U.S. Category 5 landfall since Andrew (1992)
Sustained winds: 160 mph • Damage: $25 billion • Debris: 44 million lbs • Fatalities: 74
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A century of cyclones
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Tropical Depressions
Includes All Tropical Cyclones 
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