Hurricane basics: eye, storm surges, names

With devastating hurricanes in the news this fall, let's take a closer look into common terms.

The eye of the storm

The eye of a hurricane is typically the calmest portion, though it doesn't last long.

Storm surges

Do you think a hurricane can cause more flooding damage when the coastal area has a gradual slope or a steep slope? Discover here.

Where do the hurricane names come from?

In 1953, the U.S. Weather Bureau switched from using alphabet-type names to women's names. In 1979, men's names were added, and then male and female names began to be rotated. There are six different name lists that are rotated yearly. Recognize any of the 2017 hurricane names in this list?

Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes

Hard to miss news reports of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Jose (they came close to us). Also close is Hurricane Nate. Did you also notice the tornado warnings associated with hurricanes?

Some hurricanes can create multiple events: the hurricane, and tornadoes on land. (Great ideas for safe rooms are found below).


Yes, the last time 10 hurricanes in a row were spotted was in the year 1893. Wow. (And we know also that often, tornadoes can accompany hurricanes).

How to stay safe in North Texas and in Southern Oklahoma

Contact American Tornado Master about your tornado safe room, a severe weather shelter, and how to stay safe during a tornado.