hurricane

Everyday

1. A hurricane is a very strong storm with violent winds and heavy rain that forms over warm seas. tree →
2. Hurricane-force winds are winds of more than about 120 kilometres an hour. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and science lessons hurricanes form over warm oceans and spin around a calm centre called the eye; they are called typhoons or cyclones in other places. In safety lessons families prepare, follow warnings and evacuate. Phrases: «hurricane season», «the eye of the hurricane», «hurricane warning».

Examples

• The hurricane knocked down trees and power lines. tree →
• Hurricanes form over warm oceans. tree →
• The eye of the hurricane is calm. tree →
• Families left their homes before the hurricane hit. tree →
• Hurricane season is in late summer and autumn. tree →
• Each hurricane is given a name. tree →
• The wind was blowing at hurricane force. tree →
• He mounted the Billy-goat, pressed his heels into its sides, and galloped down the high street like a hurricane. tree →

Note

Countable. Same storm, different names: hurricane (Atlantic, east Pacific), typhoon (west Pacific), cyclone (Indian Ocean, Australia). Myth: the calm eye does not mean the storm is over; strong winds return.