Hurricanes are very powerful tropical storms (also known as a tropical cyclone). When a tropical storm’s maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph (119 km/h), it is called a hurricane.

Hurricane is actually the name of a tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern Pacific Ocean. In the northwestern Pacific Ocean; in the south Pacific or the Indian Ocean, for example, hurricanes usually known as typhoons.

Hurricanes get classified by their sustained wind speed. The Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage.

Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures.

Here are 20 amazing hurricane facts.