Science
How does a hurricane form?
A hurricane forms over warm ocean water, which evaporates and feeds rising, spinning storm clouds. As the moist air rises and condenses, it releases heat that powers ever-stronger winds, building a giant rotating storm with a calm eye at its center.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how a hurricane works.
Step by step
- 1Warm ocean water (above about 26°C) evaporates and fuels the storm.
- 2Rising moist air condenses, releasing heat that drives stronger winds.
- 3Earth's rotation makes the whole system spin.
- 4A calm, clear 'eye' forms at the center, ringed by the fiercest winds.
- 5It weakens over land or cool water, losing its warm-water fuel.
Frequently asked questions
- What powers a hurricane?
- Heat from warm ocean water: as evaporated moisture rises and condenses, it releases energy that intensifies the winds.
- Why does a hurricane have a calm eye?
- Air sinks at the very center, clearing clouds and calming winds, while the surrounding 'eyewall' holds the storm's strongest winds.
- Why do hurricanes weaken over land?
- They're fueled by warm ocean water; over land they lose that moisture source and friction slows their winds.