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What criteria needs to be present for a storm to be labeled a hurricane?

Updated: Jul 3

For a storm to be classified as a hurricane, the following conditions need to be present:


  1. Thunderstorms: The formation of a hurricane often starts with thunderstorms.

  2. Warm Ocean Water: The water needs to be at least 26.5 degrees Celsius over a depth of 50 meters. This warm water powers the storm and provides the energy it needs to grow1.

  3. Light Winds: Light winds are necessary for the formation of a hurricane1.

  4. Low Wind Shear: A large difference in wind speed and direction around or near the storm can weaken it.

  5. Moist, Humid Air: When humid air is flowing upward at a zone of low pressure over warm ocean water, the water is released from the air, creating the clouds of the storm.

  6. Low Atmospheric Pressure: The storm begins to rotate around an area of low atmospheric pressure, forming a tropical depression.

  7. Wind Speed: If the storm grows larger and the winds swirl faster than 74 miles per hour (119 km/h), it is classified as a hurricane.

 

What conditions classify a hurricane 1 through 5?




 

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