Hurricane FAQ

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Find out the different names for tropical cyclones and what defines them.

Learn how disturbances grow into full-blown hurricanes, and why they weaken over land.

See the Saffir-Simpson scale for defining hurricane strength.

Why is the center of a hurricane different from the eye? Review your hurricane vocabulary.

Here are some quick questions and answers about hurricanes.

Learn the difference between hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings.

See which storm names have been retired, along with the year of retirement.

Read about the Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve.

Learn how wind speed can be estimated using visual observations.

Tropics Outlook

Hurricane Preparation