Atlantic Hurricane: What You Need to Know
When a storm named "hurricane" shows up on the news, it can feel like a distant threat or a sudden danger. Most people think hurricanes only happen in the Caribbean, but the Atlantic basin covers a huge area—from the Gulf of Mexico to the east coast of the United States and even parts of Europe. Understanding the basics helps you stay ahead of the storm and make smarter choices.
How Hurricanes Form
Hurricanes start as a cluster of thunderstorms over warm water. The water needs to be at least 80°F (27°C) for the heat to rise and fuel the storm. As the warm air rises, it creates low pressure at the surface. Air rushes in, spins because of Earth’s rotation, and the system tightens into a powerful cyclone. The more warm water underneath, the stronger the storm can become.
Three key ingredients drive a hurricane: warm sea surface, moist air, and wind shear that doesn’t tear the storm apart. When these line up, the system can grow from a tropical depression to a full‑blown hurricane with wind speeds over 74 mph. The storm’s center, called the eye, is surprisingly calm, surrounded by the worst weather in the eye wall.
Staying Safe When a Hurricane Hits
First step: have a plan. Know where the nearest shelter is, and keep a kit with water, non‑perishable food, meds, a flashlight, and batteries. Check the forecast daily – the National Hurricane Center updates tracks every six hours during hurricane season.
If officials issue an evacuation order, leave right away. Pack only what you need, lock your home, and turn off gas to avoid leaks. If you stay, secure windows with board‑up or storm shutters, and move furniture away from glass.
During the storm, stay indoors, away from windows, and listen to a battery‑powered radio for updates. After the wind dies down, watch out for flooding, downed power lines, and debris. Take photos of any damage for insurance claims, but only if it’s safe.
Remember, hurricanes can be unpredictable. Even a weaker storm can cause huge flooding if it moves slowly. Keeping an eye on rain totals and water levels is just as important as watching wind speeds.
By knowing how these storms develop and preparing early, you can protect yourself, your family, and your home when the Atlantic hurricane season rolls around.
Hurricane Erin Sparks Massive Waves, Evacuations, and Chaos Along US East Coast
Hurricane Erin, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, is slamming the US East Coast with massive surf, dangerous rip currents, and evacuations—even without making landfall. This Category 4 storm’s wild winds, huge waves, and flooding have already hit North Carolina and Puerto Rico, with Bermuda bracing for a direct blow later this week.
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