Hurricanes are most commonly known as tropical cyclones but they are also often referred to as typhoons, tropical storms, cyclonic storms, tropical depressions or plainly as cyclones. Regardless of which name is used, hurricanes refer to aggressive storm systems which mostly occur in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. Hurricanes are portrayed by massive centers of low pressure and a series of thunderstorms that yield powerful airstreams and destructive winds as well as heavy downpours that lead to floods due to tidal and/or storm surges. Likewise, hurricanes can also produce extremely high-swelling waves and generate tornadoes which are described as ferocious columns of spinning air that extend from the ground and on up into the clouds.

Hurricanes whose names are derived from one of the Caribbean dialects (Taino Amerindian) are fueled and energized by the high temperatures that arise from moist air being vaporized and condensed. Therefore, hurricanes are classified as “warm core” storm systems and they are distinguished form the “cold core” storm systems occurring in the colder climates of Europe and the north (Arctic) and south (Antarctic) poles.

Also characteristic of hurricanes, are their particular rotations as they revolve clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere while revolving counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. And as they develop over sizable bodies of warm water (known as basins) and gradually lose some of their fierceness while traveling toward shore and further inland, the farther hurricanes get from their source of origin, their basins, the less brutal they become.

The six major basins for hurricane formations of category three and above and their seasons are:

Pacific Ocean –
- Northwest Pacific Ocean – April through January
- Northeast Pacific Ocean – May through November
- Southwest Pacific Ocean (Australia) – November through April
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Atlantic Ocean –
- North Atlantic – June through November
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Indian Ocean –
- South Indian Ocean – November through April
- North Indian Ocean – April through December

Hurricane Preparedness Week 2009

When they come and are on their destructive paths, hurricanes cannot be stopped. However, much of the disaster they leave in their wake can be minimized by awareness and preparation. Thus, a National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2009 had officially been declared and it will be held in May 24 through May 30. For more details about the meaning of hurricanes, about their violent natures and about what to do to avert tragedies by increasing safety; visit the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.

Hurricanes are formidable forces of nature. But remember that while they have the brawn to hurt us, we have the brains to outsmart them. So, let’s do it!

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