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The Emerald Coast has still yet to fully recover from the hurricanes of 2005, and scientists along the Emerald Coast are already predicting another busy hurricane season for 2007.

With the growing population and business development along the Emerald Coast, greater numbers of people and property are exposed to the threat of hurricanes. It is very important for residents and visitors on the Emerald Coast to understand what a hurricane is, what causes a hurricane, and what to do when a hurricane approaches the coastline.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone – a low-pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied bythunderstorms and a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the Earth’s surface.

Classifications of tropical cyclones include:

· Tropical depressions – an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
· Tropical storm – an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
· Hurricane – an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

What causes a hurricane?

Tropical cyclones form over warm waters from pre-existing disturbances. These disturbances typically emerge every three to four days from the coast of Africa as tropical waves that consist of areas of unsettled weather.