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Map illustration: caption below

The number of hurricanes expected to occur during a 100-year period based on historical data—light blue area, 20 to 40; dark blue area, 40 to 60; red area, more than 60. Map not to scale. Source: the National Atlas and the USGS
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Natural Hazards - Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring destructive winds, storm surge, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes. A single storm can wreak havoc on coastal and inland communities and on natural areas over thousands of square miles.

In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma demonstrated the devastation that hurricanes can inflict and the importance of hurricane hazards research and preparedness.

More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast, and this number is increasing. Many of these areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of future hurricanes. Hawaii is also vulnerable to hurricanes.

USGS Hurricane Related News (USGS Newsroom)

Hurricane Ike: Maps Showing Potential Coastal Change Available Online
Released: 9/12/2008 11:34:05 AM
Science that Weathers the Storm...USGS Scientists in the Field Preparing for Hurricane Ike
Released: 9/5/2008 2:37:42 PM
Science that Weathers the Storm...Track Flooding During Tropical Storm Hanna in Real-Time
Released: 9/5/2008 6:40:49 AM
Hurricane Gustav: USGS Maps Potential for Coastal Change
Released: 8/31/2008 1:51:46 PM
Science that Weathers the Storm: Track Flooding During Tropical Storm Gustav in Real-Time
Released: 8/29/2008 1:19:38 PM

View more news related to Hurricanes

NOAA: National Hurricane Center (Atlantic)

Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook
000 ABNT20 KNHC 160532 TWOAT TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 200 AM EDT TUE SEP 16 2008 FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO... TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. $$ FORECASTER PASCH
There are no tropical cyclones at this time.
No tropical cyclones as of Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:07:01 GMT

NOAA: National Hurricane Center (East Pacific)

East Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook
000 ABPZ20 KNHC 160530 TWOEP TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 1100 PM PDT MON SEP 15 2008 FOR THE EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC...EAST OF 140 DEGREES WEST LONGITUDE.. TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. $$ FORECASTER PASCH
There are no tropical cyclones at this time.
No tropical cyclones as of Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:07:01 GMT

Highlighted Hurricane Resources

Select the next to each link to open that item in a new window.

Hurricane and Extreme Storm Studies
Investigating the extent and causes of coastal impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on the coasts of the United States.
National Wetlands Research Center
The mission of National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) is to develop and disseminate scientific information needed for understanding the ecology and values of our Nation’s wetlands and for managing and restoring wetlands, coastal habitats, and associated plant and animal communities.
Hurricane Hazards—A National Threat
A fact sheet about hurricanes and the danger they pose to Nation.
Hurricane Related Podcasts: USGS CoreCast
Podcasts, from the USGS CoreCast, related to hurricanes.
Mapping Coastal Change Hazards
Providing information on the mapping of coastal hazards such as hurricanes.
USGS Responds to Hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma)
The U.S. Geological Survey continues to mobilize equipment and personnel to gather the scientific data and information on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

USGS Storm Team

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URL: http://www.usgs.gov/hazards/hurricanes/default.asp
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Page Last Modified: Monday, September 15, 2008