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Perhaps one of the most terrifying and destructive forces of nature is the hurricane. The hurricane can cover a wide area of land and sea while creating full destructive forces. It brews for days out in the ocean due to the warm temperatures; then once it hits land, pours rain with vengeance and hurls tornado force wind constantly on the land.

But hurricanes seldom form, and in contrast to thunderstorms are scarcely seen. What must be in place for a hurricane to develop? First the temperature and other factors must be at the utmost for a hurricane to develop.

The water must be at the correct temperature to produce a hurricane.

-The water must be a large area of the ocean and be at least 27 degrees Celsius or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However no hurricanes are known to develop at the equator where these temperatures are common.

*Tropical Depression

This is often known as "pre-birth" as this will produce a tropical depression. A tropical depression is not strong enough to be considered for a name. The winds in the storm are less than 34 mph.

-The troposphere must have slight winds flowing through it to create a low level disturbance, also known as a low area of pressure. However the upper atmosphere must have a high area of pressure well above the surface disturbance. The winds in the system will begin swirling most likely in a counterclockwise motion.

*Tropical Storm

This, and a sustained wind speed of above 34 mph, will upgrade the storm to a tropical storm and be named.

*Hurricane

Hurricane names alternate back and forth from female to male and follow the alphabet. Once a large storm is named and makes a destructive appearance, the name will be retired. Such as Andrew, (Miami, Florida, 1992) Katrina (New Orleans 2005).

-If the storm continues to move along and pick up warm moisture in the air it will continue to grow and gain strength.

Once the storm has a defined eye, in the center of the swirling winds, and is able to keep the winds sustained above 74 mph, the storm is again upgraded to a hurricane where it is put into different categories. There are five categories on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.

1. 74-95 mph sustained winds produce 4-5 foot sea surges, but no real damage to building structures. Small damage may be inflicted to unanchored objects. Some minor flooding is expected.

2. 96-110 mph sustained winds produce 6-8 foot sea surges, with small damage to building structures. Vegetation will receive considerable damage. Flooding will damage piers and small

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