Something to get the tropical wave spinning. This is usually provided by a low-pressure system or front that moves from land over the tropical ocean. As a hurricane approaches, the clouds steadily thicken, the pressure begins to fall, and the winds rise. Large, rhythmic waves created far out at sea by the hurricane's strong winds begin to pound the shore. As the hurricane arrives in full force and the eyewall hits land, a dome of water up to 25 feet high called the storm surge moves ashore, frequently causing tremendous devastation.
Torrential rains add to the flooding, and the hurricane's mighty winds reach their peak.
As the calm eye moves ashore, the lowest pressure is recorded and the winds die down. Once the eye finishes crossing, the winds resume in intensity, and the pressure begins to rise. The winds drop off in intensity as the eyewall departs, and the pressure continues rising as the storm moves off. Out at sea, waves over 100 feet high have been measured by ships. Joey B., age 9 Usually hurricanes last about a week.