Hurricanes are the name for tropical cyclones that develop in the northern hemisphere and have winds with constant speeds of at least 74 mph, gusting up to 200 mph. These winds move in a counterclockwise spiral around a relatively calm center or hurricane eye.

One of the greatest dangers associated with hurricanes is a storm surge, a surge of water accompanied by battering waves and incredibly strong winds. The storm surge may cause flooding up to 20 feet above normal sea level along major stretches of coastline.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed more than 1,800 people and caused an estimated $89 billion in property damage.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami monitors weather data and issues forecasts for hurricanes.

Click on this link for more information on hurricane warnings.