Hurricanes are formed by counterclockwise winds. These winds draw moisture and heat from the tropical ocean, which helps to contribute to the intense cyclone. Winds that reach and sustained 74 miles per hour (mph) or more wind are classified as a Hurricane. When a storm moves forward at about 15 mph, it releases heavy rains and accelerating winds and makes the ocean swell. They lose some intensity when they are nearing the land. As it continues to …showed first 75 words of 1085 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1085 total…that storm surge is the greatest threat to life. Some lives were likely saved by the evacuation along the coastline of southeast Florida. The relatively small loss of life there serves as testimony to the success and importance of coordinated programs of hurricane preparedness. But, it remains that Andrew was the largest damage rate from any hurricane recorded. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** http://archnt2.tam.edu/dbibo/Taex%20Emergency/handbook/huricane.htm http://www.nhc.noaa.gov