What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a rotating low-pressure weather system with sustained winds of at least 74 mph.
Requirements for formation:
- Warm ocean surface ≥ 26.5°C
- Low atmospheric pressure
- Low vertical wind shear
- Coriolis effect rotation
A single hurricane contains more energy than the entire world's power grid.
What are these terrifying storms, and how can we better prepare for them?
Build Your Own Hurricane
Adjust these factors to see how they affect hurricane formation and intensity.
Click on Different Hurricanes
Explore historical hurricanes and their impacts.
Hurricane Sandy: When Low Category Meets High Destruction
Hurricane Sandy was only Category 1 at landfall, yet it caused over $70 billion in damage - second only to Katrina. This demonstrates how unpreparedness can turn even a "weaker" storm into a catastrophic event.
Devastating Damages: Eight Most Costly Hurricanes by Damages in USD of the Last Ten Years
The Cost of Destruction
Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters, with property damage often reaching billions of dollars. This visualization shows the 8 costliest hurricanes in the US over the past 10 years based on property damage.
Hover over bars to see detailed damage figures and fatality counts.
Increasing Trend
Understanding the concerning trend of increasing intensity and number of hurricanes over the past 100+ years.
Preparedness & Call to Action
What we can do to prepare?