Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters and are characterized by a low-pressure center, organized deep convection, and strong cyclonic surface winds. They derive energy from latent heat released during condensation within deep convective clouds, requiring sea surface temperatures typically above ~26–27 °C, sufficient Coriolis force to initiate rotation, and weak vertical wind shear to maintain structural integrity. Hurricanes exhibit a warm-core structure, an eye and eyewall, and spiral rainbands, and are classified by maximum sustained wind speed. They are central topics in atmospheric science, climate research, and risk modeling due to their role in heat transport, extreme precipitation, storm surge, and high-wind hazards.
Having doubled in strength in less than a day and still expected to grow further, Hurricane Erick on Wednesday chugged through the ideal environment to power up quickly as it approached Mexico's southern Pacific Coast.
Environment
Jun 19, 2025
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Hurricane Erick strengthened to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 early Thursday as it barreled toward Mexico's Pacific coast, the US National Hurricane Center said, warning of potentially deadly floods.
Environment
Jun 18, 2025
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As Hurricane Idalia approached Florida's Big Bend in August 2023, warm waters of the Gulf fueled its growth. In less than 24 hours, the storm jumped from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in a phenomenon known as rapid intensification.
Earth Sciences
Jun 12, 2025
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Dr. Xiaomin Chen, a researcher at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, has published a paper in Geophysical Research Letters that offers a new model capable of resolving turbulence and eddies within hurricanes as they ...
Environment
Jun 10, 2025
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The Tampa Bay region is still recovering from the 2024 hurricane season when it was battered by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The state of Florida had it even worse in 2004 when it was pummeled by four, back-to-back storms—Charley, ...
Environment
Jun 9, 2025
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With careful planning and a little luck, researchers found a surprising upside to hurricanes after a Category 4 storm disrupted their expedition off the coast of Mexico.
Earth Sciences
Jun 7, 2025
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When powerful storms hit your city, which neighborhoods are most likely to flood? In many cities, they're typically low-income areas. They may have poor drainage, or they lack protections such as seawalls.
Environment
Jun 2, 2025
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Earth Sciences
May 30, 2025
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The 2025 hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and it's forecast to be more active than ever, with potentially devastating storms whose heavy rainfall and powerful storm surges cause dangerous coastal flooding.
Environment
May 30, 2025
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Artificial intelligence is becoming an asset in hurricane forecasting.
Environment
May 29, 2025
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