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According to NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) a hurricane is a severe tropical storm that generally forms in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or in the South Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture and light wind. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains and floods. In other regions of the world, these types of storms have different names. Typhoon in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, Severe Tropical Cyclone in the Southwest Pacific Ocean, Severe Cyclonic Storm in the North Indian Ocean and a Tropical Cyclone in the Southwest Indian Ocean.

A Hurricane rotates in a counterclockwise direction around an "eye." A tropical storm becomes a hurricane after the winds reach 74 mph. On average there are six Atlantic hurricanes each year. During a three-year period there are approximately five hurricanes that strike the United States. These hurricanes occur along the coastline from Florida to Maine; and include the Gulf of Mexico states. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The Pacific hurricane season runs from May through November 30, with peak activity occurring during July through September. The Atlantic season peaks August through November.

When hurricanes move onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves cause damage to buildings, trees and cars and also cause major flooding. The waves that can become heavy cause what is known as a storm surge. A storm surge is very dangerous. This is a major reason why you have to stay away from the ocean during a hurricane. Homes must be boarded up, furniture brought inside, lowering of hurricane shutters, move cars inside the garage, turn boats upside down. A good rule of thumb for hurricane preparation is anything that can be a weapon needs to be moved or tied down. Other things you need in a hurricane are food supplies, water, generators, first aid kit, flashlight, radio etc. Although hurricanes are very destructive they are the one type of storm where we have warning. We are able to be prepared and minimize loss. Once a storm reaches sustained winds of 74mps a hurricane warning is issued. This gives us a 24 hrs advance warning and we must finish with our protective measures.

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