Hurricanes

Hurricane Katrina Satellite Image

A hurricane is an area of low pressure, with wind speeds of 300 kilometers per hour and very heavy rain. Hurricanes can cause a great deal of damage to the areas they pass over and, if you live in a hurricane area, it is important to be ready for them. Hurricanes begin in areas of low pressure in all the tropical areas of the world. In America and the Caribbean they are called “hurricanes” and the word “hurricane” comes from the Spanish and Caribbean Indian words for “evil spirits” and “big winds.” In southeast Asia and the Pacific, they are called “typhoons” or “cyclones” and in Australia they are called “willy-willies.”

Hurricanes do not stay in one place, but move very quickly across the ocean, getting stronger and stronger. The hurricane continues to travel until it reaches an area of cool sea or land. When the hurricane reaches land, it becomes less powerful, but can still cause a great deal of damage to towns and villages in the area.