When a hurricane moves over land, strong winds and heavy rain hit the area for several hours. As the eye of the hurricane reaches the area, the rain stops and the air becomes calm. Less than an hour later, the eye passes and the rain and wind return. The hurricane weakens as it moves over land because it needs the warm sea to supply energy by evaporation.
Friction caused by the rougher land surface also slows the winds.
Heavy rain continues after the winds decrease. In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew moves toward Florida, where it became the costliest disaster in U.S. history. For a free trial of World Book Online, click here. Wed like to hear from you. Click here to submit your comments.