Hurricane, Cyclone, and Typhoon Links

Tropical storms are huge, circulating storms with sustained winds from 39 to 73 miles per hour. Once the winds increase to at least 74 miles per hour, the storm is considered a hurricane. When hurricanes occur in the western Pacific Ocean, west of the International Date Line, they are called typhoons. When they are in the Indian Ocean and the Coral Sea, they are called cyclones. Whatever they are called, they spell trouble. The winds, rains, and storm surges caused by hurricanes wreak havoc wherever they go.

Try these Planet Diary Hurricane, Cyclone, and Typhoon Activities:

• Making Hurricane Predictions
  Explore the kinds of data scientists look at to make predictions about hurricane frequency and intensity.
• Hurricane Katrina Diary
  Track the evolution of Hurricane Katrina from a disorganized tropical depression to a monstrous Category 5 storm.
• Exploring Hurricanes
  Learn how and where hurricanes form, how they're structured, and how they move. You'll also track hurricanes of the past and fly into the eye of a virtual hurricane.

NOAA Hurricanes
This site is a good starting point for background info on hurricanes.

National Hurricane Center
Find the latest updates on current tropical systems.

Hurricanes
This fantastic site from the University of Illinois features animated explanations of hurricane formation, movement, naming, and strength.

PalmBeachPost.com Storm Watch
This dynamic site tracks hurricanes, hosts live chats and updates, and has illustrated hurricane information.

Tracking Storms Worldwide
View the tracks of tropical storm systems in real time at this comprehensive University of Hawaii site.

Hurricane Movies
View NASA satellite images and movies of recent hurricanes.

Weather.com Tropical Update
Weather.com Storm Watch
Track approaching storms and check out frequently updated weather maps.

Hurricane Brochures
Get background information on hurricane safety from the National Hurricane Center.