Hurricanes are powerful storms that cause a lot of damage. They can destroy homes, uproot trees and plants, and flood coastal areas. Hurricanes can also cause injuries and deaths.
A hurricane develops in the tropics when sunlight heats up ocean waters. The warmer water evaporates into the air, and the air then cools and condenses to form clouds. The clouds spin rapidly in a low-pressure area that forms an eye at the center of the storm. The spinning of the clouds creates strong winds. These winds blow sideways over the surface of the ocean, pushing waves ashore and causing flooding.
After a hurricane moves over cooler ocean waters or hits land it loses its energy and weakens. However, dangerous winds still blow and heavy rains can fall far inland. Flooding from storm surge, or the rising of the ocean, along with rushing waves can submerge coastal communities and kill people.
In addition to wind and flood damage, a hurricane can lead to bacterial infections from drinking contaminated water. The storms can also bring in exotic species of plants and animals, such as Burmese pythons.
Health is determined by more than genetics and family history—it is influenced by many factors, such as where one lives, how they make a living, their access to healthy food, education, social support networks, and discrimination. These are called the social determinants of health and can be especially challenging to overcome during and after a hurricane. Marginalized communities already struggling to survive feel the brunt of these impacts most often.