The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30, while the Pacific Tropical Cyclone season runs May 1 to November 30. The peak or most active part of the season is in September for both oceans.
Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This is based on wind speed or intensity. According to the National Hurricane Center, Category One Hurricanes have winds between 74 to 95 mph, Category Two 96 to 110mph, Category Three 111 to 130 mph, Category Four 131 to 155 mph and Category Five have winds of anything above 155 mph.
Because meteorologists can see hurricanes forming, people in the path of the storm have time to prepare.
If you live in an area that could see tropical storms or hurricanes, have a plan and be sure you have supplies on hand. Be sure medications are refilled in case you have to evacuate. Have food on hand that will keep but doesn't need to be cooked in case the power goes out. Have lots of batteries on hand for flashlights and consider getting a hand-crank weatherband radio.
According to the National Hurricane Center, lower intensity hurricanes and tropical storms can sometimes bring more damage and loss of life than higher intensity hurricanes mainly due to flooding.
Hurricanes used to be named for the saint on whose day they struck.