"Only when tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean encounter the right ingredients for long enough do they strengthen to the point of designation. Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center pay close attention to a cyclone's wind speed, which determines its class. Once it reaches 39 mph for at least one minute, it's classified as a tropical storm and given a name; at 74 mph, the storm becomes a Category 1 hurricane, and continues through Category 5."
"The winds can also push seawater inland for miles, causing an abnormal rise in seawater levels, known as storm surge - the leading cause of death during a hurricane in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Large waves are also a risk to people and property. As a storm moves further inland, flooding becomes a major risk. Cyclones often produce more than six inches of heavy rain, which can overwhelm drainage systems and the ability of the ground to absorb the water,"
Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is tracking toward Jamaica and Haiti with expected tropical-storm-strength rain and winds by Thursday or Friday. Tropical cyclones strengthen only when they encounter favorable conditions for a sustained period. Wind speed defines classification: 39 mph or more becomes a tropical storm and named, 74 mph becomes a Category 1 hurricane and classifications continue through Category 5. Strong winds can destroy structures and propel debris. Storm surge can push seawater inland and is the leading hurricane-related cause of death; heavy rain often causes flash flooding that can persist for days. NOAA forecasts 13 to 19 tropical storms this year, including three to five potential major hurricanes.
Read at The Washington Post
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