The wind and the clouds that form create a system. A system is a pattern of weather. The system of clouds and winds continues to spin and grow. The water evaporating from the ocean's warm surface acts as fuel, which is what helps this spinning and grow. The system rotates faster and faster until the eye of the storm forms in the center area. Ironically, the eye of the storm is the calmest part, and it has shallow air pressure. The higher pressure above the hurricane continually flows down into the eye.
a view of a hurricane from space with the eye of the hurricane visible in the center of the hurricane
Outside of the eye of the hurricane, is the eye wall. This is where the most dangerous winds are found. Further outside that is the rain bands. The rain bands are a group of thick clouds. These clouds create the unique look of the hurricane. Hurricanes start as tropical storms. They are known as hurricanes once their winds reach 74 miles per hour. The speed of the wind determines the category. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds of 74-96 miles per hour. Category 5 hurricanes move at 157 miles per hour or higher.
Once hurricanes hit land, their speed lowers. This is because they are no longer being given energy, or fuel, from the warm ocean waters. As storms move inland, they bring heavy rains and cause wind damage. The amount of rain and wind damage depends on the size and speed of the hurricane. Hurricanes can reach over 300 miles in width.
Based on the information in the text, even though Category 1 hurricanes are the lowest category, why do they still cause damage to buildings and landscapes?
a
Category 1 hurricanes are known to cause significant damage when they first touch down.
b
Category 1 hurricanes are very powerful, with winds that blow at 74-96 miles per hour.
c
It takes hurricanes several days overland to become less damaging to trees and buildings.
d
The lower the category, the more influential the hurricane with higher speeds of wind.