Hurricanes: An Overview
A hurricane is a powerful storm system characterized by a circular motion around a low-pressure area, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall. Technically, a system is classified as a tropical storm when wind speeds range from 62 to 116 km/h. It is only categorized as a hurricane when wind speeds exceed 116 km/h.
Key Areas Affected by Hurricanes
Some of the most affected regions by hurricanes include:
- Cuba
The hurricane season in Cuba runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest number of storms forming in September and October. Notably, Hurricane Cuba in 1924 recorded wind speeds reaching 265 km/h in western Cuba, causing severe damage to tobacco crops and fishing vessels, resulting in 90 fatalities.
- Madagascar
The hurricane season in Madagascar lasts from November 15 to April 30, peaking in February. The most powerful storm to hit Madagascar was Cyclone Gafilo in 2004, which produced sustained winds of 249 km/h and led to the deaths of 237 individuals.
- Vietnam
Vietnam experiences hurricanes throughout the year, with significant storms often striking land with winds up to 185 km/h, including Typhoon Lola in 1993.
- Taiwan
Hurricane activity in Taiwan occurs year-round, with Typhoon Joan in 1959 being the most devastating storm recorded, featuring winds of 297 km/h. This storm resulted in 11 fatalities and damages of approximately 3 million dollars to crops in Taiwan alone.
- Australia
The hurricane season in Australia spans from November to April. The most intense cyclone recorded was Tropical Cyclone Monica, which made landfall near Maningrida in the Northern Territory with wind speeds reaching 289 km/h, causing extensive destruction across thousands of square miles of forested areas.
- The United States
The hurricane season in the United States is from June 1 to November 30, with the most powerful hurricane recorded in 1935, known for its intensity and impact.
- Mexico
In Mexico, the hurricane season varies by region: from May 15 to November in the Eastern Pacific, and June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic/Caribbean region. Hurricanes Dean, Anita, and Janet made landfall with wind speeds of 281 km/h, marking them as some of the most powerful on the Atlantic side of Mexico.
- Japan
Japan faces hurricanes year-round, with Typhoon Vera in 1959 being the most formidable, generating wind speeds of 257 km/h upon making landfall in southern Japan.
- The Philippines
Hurricane activity in the Philippines occurs throughout the year, peaking from May to November. The most powerful recorded storm, Typhoon Yolanda, struck the central Philippines in 2013 with winds reaching 313 km/h.
- China
The hurricane season in China is continuous, with Typhoon Rammasun making landfall in southern China in 2014, producing wind speeds ranging from 249 to 257 km/h.
Hurricane Formation Basins
- Atlantic Basin
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with storms developing in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. The most active period in the Atlantic typically occurs from mid-August to late October.
- Eastern Pacific Basin
The hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific begins on May 15 and continues until November, with peak activity occurring in early September and late August. This region is recognized as the second most active area for tropical storm formation globally.