A hurricane is a severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power.

Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." We do not really know what causes a hurricane, but many meteorologists believe that the storms start over Africa and move slowly across the Atlantic Ocean towards the eastern US. (Watch the video tracking the life of a hurricane!)

Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories, based on their wind speeds and potential to cause damage.

• Category One -- Winds 74-95 miles per hour
• Category Two -- Winds 96-110 miles per hour
• Category Three -- Winds 111-130 miles per hour
• Category Four -- Winds 131-155 miles per hour
• Category Five -- Winds greater than 155 miles per hour

In the U.S., the official hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but hurricanes can happen any time of the year. Hurricanes are named by the National Weather Service, and are usually alphabetic, with a female name followed by a male name. For example, the 2005 Hurricane started off with named hurricanes such as Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Dennis,...etc.

Hurricanes can happen all over the world. In the United States, they are called hurricanes, but everywhere else, they are known as Typhoons.