A hurricane is a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized convection and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation. It is part of the family of Typical Cyclones. Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface wind speed of less than 17 meters-per-second are called tropical depressions. Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 meters-per-second they are typically called a tropical storm. After that, if the speed of the wind is 33 meters-per-second or faster, the tropical cyclone is considered a hurricane (otherwise known as a severe tropical cyclone).

The ‘eye’ of the hurricane is a circular area of reasonably light winds and light weather found at the center of the storm. Inside the eye, there is little or no precipitation and usually, one can see clear skies. This is because the eye is the place of the lowest surface pressure and the warmest temperatures, sometimes reaching six degrees warmer than the surrounding environment. Eyes range from 5 to 120 miles across. The area surrounding the eye has the highest surface pressures and is relatively the roughest place in the storm. The eye is composed of air that is slowly sinking and the area surrounding the eye has a net upward flow. As a result, reasonable updrafts and downdrafts are formed.