Hurricanes are a natural hazard that can cause flooding, high winds, and storm surges. They can also damage buildings and create debris that is dangerous to humans. When people are in the path of a hurricane, they can suffer injuries, lose homes, and be killed by flying or falling objects. Hurricanes can also disrupt health care services and make it harder for people to get medications. They can also have long-term impacts on human health, including mental health concerns like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The first ingredient for a hurricane is warm ocean water. As sunlight heats the surface of the ocean, it evaporates, creating a low-pressure area. This attracts air from the surrounding areas, and strong winds form around this low-pressure zone. The Earth’s rotation causes the winds to spin, creating a spinning center called the eye. The wind and air pressure build up in the eye, creating a mound of ocean water known as the storm surge.
The other ingredients for a hurricane are humidity, outflow from land and sea, and the presence of nearby clouds. The more moisture and humidity in the air, the stronger the hurricane will be. The presence of nearby clouds increases the amount of rain that the storm will dump.