According to NOAA, a hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher and a well-defined surface circulation. In the Northern Hemisphere, winds circulate counterclockwise.

Hurricanes start as tropical depressions, intensifying into tropical storms when winds reach 39–73 mph. These storms, like Tropical Storm Frances in 1998, can be dangerous even without becoming hurricanes. When winds exceed 74 mph, the storm is classified as a hurricane. Hurricane intensity is categorized by wind speeds and potential damage. Tropical storm-force winds are hazardous, prompting emergency evacuations before hurricane-force winds arrive. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. However, August through October are considered the peak months for hurricane season.