A hurricane is a large rotating storm around a centre of very low pressure with values of 950mb or lower. Most systems have a diameter of about 650km, less than half that of a mid-latitude depression. Wind speeds often exceed 33m per second (119km per hour) and, in the most intense hurricanes like Andrew, may reach 50m per second (1 8Okm per hour). The huge amount of heat required to create and maintain the hurricane is reflected in the height of the clouds near its centre, often up to ]2km above the Earth.

A number of trigger mechanisms, which rely on intensive rising convection currents, are required to transform a tropical disturbance into a more destructive hurricane. The development of a hurricane is dependent on combinations of particular.mechanisms.

 An extensive ocean area with surface temperatures greater than 27 "C for a significant period of time.

 Sufficient spin from the Earth's rotation to trigger the vicious spiral in the centre of the hurricane, usually bet

ween latitudes 50 and 30cl north and south of the Equator.

Storm surge 1-1.Sm above normal tide. Low-lying coastal roads inundated, minor pier damage, some small craft in exposed anchorages torn from moorings.

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