Hurricanes Explained: How They Form, Their Power, and the Eye of the Storm

A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with the potential to cause massive destruction. These storms form over the Atlantic Ocean and share similarities with tornadoes, however tornadoes develop over land, while hurricanes form over the sea. Hurricanes are also more intense than tornadoes.

Interestingly, similar storms appear in other parts of the world but are called by different names. In the Pacific Ocean, they’re known as typhoons, while in the Indian Ocean, they’re referred to as cyclones.

How Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes begin when storm clouds drift into warm regions above the Atlantic Ocean. Warm air rises from the sea and mixes with the air from the storm, causing the combined air mass to heat up and move upward. This process creates an area of low pressure at sea level.

As more winds flow into this low-pressure zone, a rotating movement forms. To balance the pressure difference, additional air is pulled inward. The faster this process occurs, the stronger the storm becomes. Over time — ranging from just a few hours to several days, a full hurricane can take shape.

The Eye of the Storm

At the center of every hurricane is a fascinating feature referred to as the eye of the storm. Despite the chaos around it, this central region is relatively calm. It is characterized by low air pressure, lighter winds, and a break in the rainfall. Meanwhile, the fierce winds, heavy rain, and swirling vortex surround the eye, creating the destructive force we recognize as a hurricane.