Terrible hurricanes of the planet. The strongest hurricane in the world

Our planet is beautiful, and people consider themselves full owners on it. They changed her face in a way that nothing else had before the beginning of human life. But there are forces that simply cannot be controlled, even with the most high tech. These include hurricanes, storms, tornadoes, which constantly destroy everything that is dear to people. And it's impossible to stop it. One can only hide and wait for the end of nature's wrath. So how do these phenomena occur and what consequences threaten the victims? Answers to these questions have long been given by scientists.

Hurricane

Hurricane is complicated weather phenomenon. His main characteristic is a very strong wind with a speed of more than 30 meters per second (120 km/h). Its second name is a typhoon, which is a huge whirlwind. The pressure in the very center of it is lowered. Forecasters also specify that a hurricane is a tropical cyclone if it formed in South or North America. Life cycle this monster lasts from 9 to 12 days. At this time, he moves around the planet, causing damage to everything he stumbles upon. For convenience, each of them is assigned a name, most often a female one. A hurricane is, among other things, a huge bunch of energy, which in its power is not inferior to an earthquake. One hour of vortex life releases about 36 Mgt of energy, as in a nuclear explosion.

Causes of hurricanes

Scientists call the ocean the constant deposit of this phenomenon, namely those areas that are located in the tropics. The likelihood of a hurricane increasing as you get closer to the equator. There are many reasons for its appearance. It can be, for example, the force with which our planet rotates, or differences in temperature between the layers of the atmosphere, or the difference in atmospheric pressure. But these processes may not be the beginning of the birth of a hurricane. Another of the main conditions for the formation of a typhoon is a certain temperature of the underlying surface, namely water. It should not be below 27 degrees Celsius. This shows that in order for a hurricane to form at sea, a combination of favorable factors is needed.

Storm

A storm (storm) is also characterized strong wind, but its speed is lower than that of a hurricane. The speed of wind gusts in the storm is 24 meters per second (85 km/h). He can pass like over water areas planets as well as over land. In terms of area, it can be quite large. The duration of the storm can be either a couple of hours or several days. At this time, there is a very heavy rainfall. This leads to additional destructive phenomena such as landslides and mudflows. This phenomenon on the Beaufort scale is located one level lower than a hurricane. The storm in its most extreme manifestation can reach 11 points. The strongest storm was recorded in 2011. It passed over the Philippine Islands and brought thousands of deaths and destruction worth millions of dollars.

Classification of storms and hurricanes

Hurricanes are divided into two types:

Tropical - those that originated in the tropics;

Extratropical - those that originated in other parts of the planet.

Extratropics are divided into:

• those that originated in the Atlantic Ocean region;
• those that originated over the Pacific Ocean (typhoons).

There is no classification of storms that would be considered generally accepted. But most forecasters divide them into:

Vortex - complex formations that arise due to cyclones and cover a large area;

Stream - small storms, local in nature.

A vortex storm can be snow, dust, or squall. In winter, such storms are also called snowstorms or blizzards. Squalls can arise very quickly and end just as quickly.

A stream storm can be a jet storm or a stream storm. If it is jet, then the air moves horizontally or rises along the slope, and if it is drain, then it moves down the slope.

Tornado

Hurricanes and tornadoes very often accompany each other. A tornado is a whirlwind in which the air moves from bottom to top. This is happening extremely high speed. The air there is mixed with various particles such as sand and dust. This is a funnel that hangs from a cloud and rests on the ground, somewhat similar to a trunk. Its diameter can vary from tens to hundreds of meters. The second name for this phenomenon is "tornado". As it approaches, a terrible rumble is heard. As it moves, the tornado sucks in everything it can tear off and lifts it up in a spiral. If this funnel appears, then this is a hurricane of terrible proportions. A tornado can reach speeds of about 60 km/h. It is very difficult to predict this phenomenon, which worsens the situation and leads to big losses. Hurricanes and tornadoes have claimed many lives throughout the history of their existence.

Beaufort scale

Hurricanes, storms, tornadoes are natural phenomena that can occur anywhere on the Earth. In order to understand their scale and be able to compare them, a system of measurement is needed. To do this, use the Beaufort scale. It is based on a visual assessment of what is happening and measures the strength of the wind in points. It was developed in 1806 for his own needs by a native of England, Admiral F. Beaufort. In 1874 it became generally accepted and has been used by all weather forecasters ever since. Further, it was refined and supplemented. Points in it are distributed from 0 to 12. If 0 points, then this is a complete calm, if 12 - a hurricane, bringing with it severe destruction. In 1955, in the USA and England, another 5 was added to the already existing points, that is, from 13 to 17. They are used by these countries.

Word designation of wind force	Points	Speed, km/h	Signs by which you can visually determine the strength of the wind
Calm	0	Up to 1.6	On land: calm, smoke rising without deviation. On the sea: water without the slightest disturbance.
Quiet	1	1.6 to 4.8	On land: the weather vane is not yet able to determine the direction of the wind, it is noticeable only by a slight deviation of the smoke. At sea: small ripples, no foam on the ridges.
Easy	2	6.42 to 11.2	On land: the rustle of leaves is heard, ordinary weather vanes begin to react to the wind. At sea: the waves are short, the crests are like glass.
Weak	3	12.8 to 19.2	On land: small twigs sway, flags begin to unfurl. At sea: the waves, although short, are well defined, with crests and foam, occasionally small lambs appear.
Moderate	4	20.8 to 28.8	On land: saws and small debris fly in the air, thin branches begin to sway. At sea: waves begin to lengthen, fixed a large number of lamb.
Fresh	5	30.4 to 38.4	On land: trees begin to sway, ripples appear on water bodies. On the sea: the waves are long, but not too big, with a lot of lambs, splashes are occasionally observed.
Strong	6	40.0 to 49.6	On land: thick branches and electric wires sway to the sides, the wind pulls the umbrella out of the hands. At sea: large waves with white crests form, spray becomes more frequent.
Strong	7	51.2 to 60.8	On land: the whole tree sways, including the trunk, it is very difficult to go against the wind. At sea: the waves begin to pile up, the crests break.
Very strong	8	62.4 to 73.6	On land: tree branches begin to break, it is almost impossible to go against the wind. At sea: the waves are getting higher, the spray is flying up.
Storm	9	75.2 to 86.4	On land: wind damages buildings, removes roof coverings and smoke domes. At sea: the waves are high, the crests capsize and form spray, which significantly reduces visibility.
Heavy storm	10	88.0 to 100.8	On land: quite a rare thing, uproots trees, destroys poorly fortified buildings. At sea: the waves are very high, the foam covers most of the water, the waves hit with a strong crash, visibility is very poor.
hard storm	11	102.4 to 115.2	On land: rare, causes great damage. At sea: huge waves, small and medium-sized ships are sometimes not visible, the water is covered with foam, visibility is almost zero.
Hurricane	12	116.8 to 131.2	On land: extremely rare, causes great damage. At sea: foam and spray fly in the air, visibility is zero.

How bad is a hurricane?

One of the most dangerous meteorological phenomena can be called a hurricane. The wind in it moves with great speed, causing great harm to people and their property. In addition, these air currents carry mud, sand and water with them, resulting in mudflows. Huge downpours cause floods, and if it happens in winter, they often go snow avalanches. A strong wind destroys structures, pulls out trees, overturns cars, demolishes people. Very often, fires and explosions occur due to damage to electrical networks or gas pipelines. Thus, the consequences of a hurricane are terrible, which makes them very dangerous.

Hurricanes in Russia

Hurricanes can threaten any part of Russia, but most often they occur in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Chukotka or the Kuril Islands. This misfortune can happen at any time, and August and September are considered the most dangerous. Forecasters try to foresee such repetition and warn the population about the danger. Tornadoes can also appear in the territory Russian Federation. The waters and coasts of the seas, Siberia, the Urals, the Volga region and the central regions of the state are most susceptible to this phenomenon.

Public actions in the event of a hurricane

Everyone should understand that a hurricane is deadly dangerous phenomenon. If a warning is issued about it, you need to act quickly. First of all, strengthen everything that can be torn off the ground, remove flammable items and stock up on food and clean water a couple of days ahead. You also need to move away from the windows, it is better to go to where they do not exist at all. Turn off electricity, water and gas equipment. Candles, lanterns and lamps are used for lighting. To receive weather information, you need to turn on the radio. If you follow these recommendations, nothing will threaten your life.

So hurricanes are spread all over the globe which makes them a problem for all people. It should be remembered that they are extremely dangerous, so you must strictly follow all instructions in order to save your life.

TASS-DOSIER. On September 6-7, 2017, Hurricane Irma, which reached its maximum power of the fifth category, passed over the states and territories of the Caribbean, causing severe destruction.

The element destroyed more than 90% of the buildings on the island of Saint Martin (an overseas community of France) and on the island of Barbuda (the state of Antigua and Barbuda). According to the premier of this island country Gaston Brown, the damage amounted to $150 million, or 10% of the country's annual GDP. According to UN estimates, up to 37 million people in the Caribbean could suffer from the effects of the hurricane. According to the US National Hurricane Center, Irma is one of the strongest hurricanes on record.

The maximum wind speed during the passage of a hurricane is more than 295 km / h (with gusts - up to 380 km / h). Currently, Irma is moving towards the Atlantic coast of the United States.

The TASS-DOSIER editors have prepared material on the most powerful hurricanes over the North Atlantic since 1980.

Occurrence and classification of hurricanes

The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30. At this time, the strongest cyclones form over the surface of the ocean - air masses in the form of a huge atmospheric vortex rotating counterclockwise with reduced pressure in the center. They are accompanied by thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Cyclones of low intensity are called tropical depressions. When the wind speed exceeds 63 km / h, the cyclone becomes a tropical storm, 118 km / h - a hurricane.

Since the early 1950s, the World Meteorological Organization has been assigning tropical storms and hurricanes proper names. Traditionally, hurricanes are called by English, Spanish and French names. Until 1979, they were only women's, then it was decided to alternate them with men's. The names are repeated every six years, with the exception of those assigned to the most destructive and deadly hurricanes.

The potential damage from hurricanes is measured on the Saffir-Simpson scale. It includes five categories: the first indicates minimal damage, and the fifth - catastrophic.

Statistics

Hurricanes have been monitored over the North Atlantic since 1851. On average, 18-19 storms and hurricanes occur per season, but in some years their number exceeded 20.

The first hurricane of the fifth category of power (wind speed exceeds 252 km / h) was recorded in 1924. According to scientists, it is likely that before that such strong hurricanes passed over the surface of the ocean, bypassing islands and coasts, so data on them were not recorded.

Category 5 hurricanes are rare. According to National Administration According to the US Oceanic and Atmospheric Survey, since 1924, only 35 hurricanes (including Irma) have reached such strength. This accounts for about 4% of all Atlantic hurricanes. Most of of which was recorded in the period from August to September (the peak season of this natural phenomenon).

Most Powerful Category 5 Hurricanes Since 1980

Hurricane Allen is the most powerful hurricane on record to pass over the Atlantic. July 31 - August 11, 1980. The maximum wind speed reached 305 km/h. The elements affected the Caribbean, northern and eastern Mexico and southern Texas. The victims of Allen were 269 people, property damage amounted to $ 1.3 billion.

September 12-19, 1988 Hurricane Gilbert swept over the Caribbean Sea and hit the coast of Mexico ( maximum speed wind - 295 km/h). He claimed the lives of more than 300 people, mainly in Mexico, destroyed buildings and almost the entire crop in the affected areas. According to rough estimates, the total economic damage exceeded $7 billion.

August 23-28, 1992 Hurricane Andrew (maximum speed - 280 km / h) passed over the Bahamas and over the states of Florida and Louisiana. In the Bahamas, four people became victims of Andrew, the economic damage amounted to $ 250 million. However, the southern part of the United States suffered the most losses from the elements, where more than 60 people died, and restoration cost $ 26 billion.

October 26 - November 9, 1998 Hurricane Mitch raged over Central America, passing over Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the US state of Florida. The maximum sustained wind force was 285 km/h (with gusts up to 320 km/h). The exact number of victims has not been established. According to approximate data, their number exceeds 20 thousand people (11 thousand dead and about the same number missing). In terms of the number of victims and the scale of destruction, Mitch is second only to the Great Hurricane San Calixto II, which hit the Caribbean in 1780, when more than 27 thousand people died. Hurricane Mitch left 2.7 million people homeless (most of them residents of Honduras and Nicaragua), and the economic damage amounted to more than $6 billion.

September 6, 2003 Storm Isabel formed over the Atlantic, which then developed into a hurricane and reached the fifth category of power (maximum wind speed - 270 km / h). It hit the islands of the Caribbean and reached the southern states of the United States. The hurricane killed 17 people, more than 30 people died as a result of the flooding it caused. It took $ 3.6 billion to restore the destroyed areas.

September 2-24, 2004 over the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast Hurricane Ivan was raging in the United States (maximum speed - 270 km / h). During his passage, he called largest number tornadoes than all other hurricanes in the history of observations - more than 100. Grenada, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and also american states Florida and Alabama. Total number more than 90 people died, material damage amounted to $ 23 billion.

August 25-29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf of Mexico and the southern coast of the United States - one of the most destructive in the United States (maximum wind speed - 280 km / h). The states of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi suffered from the elements. The greatest damage was caused to New Orleans, about 80% of the city's area was under water. As a result of the natural disaster, 1,836 people died. Property damage from the hurricane exceeded $108 billion.

September 18-26, 2005 Hurricane Rita passed over the Gulf of Mexico and the United States (maximum sustained speed - 285 km / h). Basic hit along the border between the states of Texas and Louisiana, the cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur were badly damaged. About 100 thousand inhabitants were evacuated. According to various sources, the number of victims of the hurricane ranges from 100 to 120 people. The economic damage amounted to $12 billion.

October 18-27, 2005 over the islands of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and southern part Hurricane Wilma raged in the United States (maximum wind speed - 295 km / h). Cuba, Mexico and Florida suffered the most damage. In total, "Wilma" claimed the lives of almost 90 people. The economic damage from the disaster exceeded $20 billion.

August 13-27, 2007 Hurricane Dean swept over the islands of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and the United States (maximum speed - 280 km / h). About 40 people became its victims, and material losses amounted to $1.6 billion.

Tropical cyclones or hurricanes bring with them not only winds of extreme force, but also showers, big waves, storm surges and tornadoes. Interestingly, in the North and South America tropical cyclones are called hurricanes, and in Asia they are called typhoons. Below is a list of the ten most destructive hurricanes on record.

Katrina is one of the most destructive Atlantic hurricanes in the history of the United States. It originated on August 23, 2005 in the Bahamas, peaked on August 28, and dissipated on August 31. Katrina was rated a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. The wind speed reached 280 km/h. As a result of the cyclone and subsequent floods, at least 1245 people died. The total property damage was estimated at $108 billion (as of 2005). New Orleans in Louisiana suffered the most - about 80% of the city's area was under water.

Andrew is a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane (270 km/h wind speed) that formed on August 14, 1992 in Atlantic Ocean above west coast Africa. "Andrew" passed through the northwestern Bahamas, south Florida and southwestern Louisiana, claiming the lives of 65 people and destroying a large number of homes, in many cases leaving only concrete foundation. The total damage caused by the hurricane in all affected regions exceeded $ 26 billion (as of 1992).

The Great Hurricane of 1780 or "San Calixto II" is the deadliest tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic basin, killing over 22,000 people in the Lesser Antilles and Bermuda between October 10–16, 1780. Its specificity and exact strength are unknown, since the official database of hurricanes began to be maintained since 1851. There is an assumption that the wind force could exceed 320 km / h.

"Aik" is a tropical cyclone of the 4th hazard category (wind speed over 215 km/h) according to the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale. Passed through the Greater Antilles and the southern coast of the United States between September 1–14, 2008. He originated in last days August off the coast of Africa and at the time of reaching North America off the city of Galveston, Texas, the storm's diameter was more than 1,450 km, making it the largest tropical cyclone in the Atlantic Ocean on record. According to preliminary estimates, property damage from Hurricane Ike amounted to approximately $ 37.5 billion. It claimed the lives of 195 people in the United States, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Iniki is a powerful Category 4 hurricane that formed on September 5, 1992 and passed through the Hawaiian Islands. The wind speed reached 233 km/h. The total damage from Hurricane Iniki was about $1.8 billion (as of 1992). The most affected island was Kauai, where 5,152 houses were badly damaged and another 1,421 completely destroyed. As a result of the hurricane, more than 7 thousand people were left homeless, 6 people died. The Iniki dispersed on September 13 midway between Hawaii and Alaska.

The Galveston hurricane, the deadliest hurricane in US history, made landfall off Galveston, Texas on September 8, 1900. As a result, from 6 thousand to 12 thousand people died (the figure 8000 is most often mentioned). With an average wind speed of 233 km / h, it was assigned the 4th category of danger on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. The material damage caused is estimated at $20 million (for 1900). Then more than 3600 houses were destroyed, and only ruins remained from the largest city in the state of Texas at that time with a population of 42 thousand.

Pauline is one of the deadliest Pacific hurricanes ever to hit the coast of Mexico. It was formed on October 5, 1997, approximately 410 km southwest of the city of Santa Maria Huatulco. Initially moved to the east, and then turned in a northwesterly direction, reaching a peak wind speed of 215 km/h. Moving parallel to the Mexican coast, Hurricane Pauline caused heavy rains, resulting in floods and landslides in some of the poorest areas of Mexico, where 230-500 people died. As a result of the hurricane, tens of thousands of houses were destroyed and damaged, about 300 thousand people were left homeless. The total damage amounted to $7.5 billion (as of 1997).

The third most destructive hurricane in history is Kenna. This is a powerful hurricane that formed in the northeastern part of Pacific Ocean October 22, 2002. Having reached the peak wind speed of 270 km / h, he was assigned the 5th category of danger. The city of San Blas was hit hardest in Mexican state Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, where more than 100 people were injured. As a result of the hurricane, thousands of homes were damaged or completely destroyed. In total, he claimed 4 lives and caused damage to $ 101 million US dollars (as of 2002).

Typhoon Nina is a category 4 tropical cyclone (maximum wind speed reached 250 km/h), which passed in early August 1975 through Taiwan and China. In the central Chinese province of Henan, severe flooding caused by rains destroyed the Banqiao dam, and 62 dams were also broken. As a result of the flood, 26 thousand people died (according to other sources, up to 85,000), and later - due to hunger - about 145 thousand more. In addition, over 300,000 livestock died and approximately 5,960,000 buildings were destroyed. The hurricane is estimated to have caused US$1.2 billion in damage (1995).

Cyclone Bhola is a destructive category 3 tropical cyclone (maximum wind speed reached 205 km / h), which hit the territory of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the Indian state of West Bengal on November 12, 1970. This is the record-breaking tropical cyclone and one of the worst natural disasters in recent history. An estimated 300,000-500,000 people lost their lives, mainly as a result of a 9 m high storm surge that swept away entire villages and agricultural land in the region along its way. In the hardest hit upazilas of Thanh and Tazumuddin, more than 45% of the population died. The total damage from the cyclone was $86.4 million (for 1970).

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It is unlikely that a dry description of a hurricane can convey all its power and destructive power. We can only say that in a medium-sized hurricane, as much energy is released as in the explosion of four hundred hydrogen 20-megaton bombs! And to our happiness, that only 2-4% of all this power is transferred to the force of the wind. Although this is quite enough to experience the horror of the destruction and casualties, which are also the result of a huge wave that occurs during the passage of a hurricane.

The power of hurricanes is determined on a five-point scale. To date, mankind has experienced only a few such cataclysms of the greatest destructive force. The most powerful hurricanes in the world and the damage they cause are described below.

Mitch

October 1998 became ordeal for several countries at once Caribbean coast. A hurricane of indescribable power swept through El Salvador, Honduras. Nicaragua. Just imagine, the wind speed sometimes exceeded 320 km/h. The most powerful wind, tidal waves and the resulting mudflows swallowed up 20 thousand people, more than 1 million were left without shelter, food, water and medicine. Epidemics have joined the disaster.

great hurricane

In the autumn of 1780, nature unleashed its wrath on the islands of the Caribbean. San Calixto, or the Great Hurricane, with its enormous power walked from Newfoundland to Barbados itself, and did not bypass Haiti. And although the data for those times is very inaccurate, history speaks of 22 thousand victims. A 7-meter wave demolished almost all the villages, the ships located in the bays and near the coast were flooded. Eyewitnesses of the time described the incredible rain that tore off the bark of trees before they felled. Scientists suggest that the wind reached 350 km / h.

Katrina

This monster with a beautiful female name appeared not too long ago. Born in the Bahamas in August 2005 and quickly gaining strength, Hurricane Katrina unleashed its wrath on the American coast. The authorities were not prepared for such a rapid development of events. The deadly hurricane, which was awarded the highest category, claimed the lives of 1836 people, more than 500 thousand were left homeless. Surely, everyone remembers the stunning reports from the destroyed and flooded New Orleans. The worst thing is that human callousness has joined the elements: riots raged in the affected areas, chaos reigned everywhere.

Typhoon in Pakistan

This natural disaster, which happened in November 1970, was probably the most destructive in the entire history of the existence of the human race. The wind of incredible strength raised an 8-meter wave that swept along the coast and several islands. Up to 1 million people died in the typhoon, and the number of victims exceeded 10 million. The damage from the typhoon was beyond calculation: the infrastructure was completely destroyed, a huge number of settlements simply disappeared from the face of the earth.

More than 700 hurricanes sweep through the United States a year different strength. The state of Kansas is recognized as the leader in the number of these destructive phenomena with its 1200 cyclones per year. By the way, if in North and South America destructive tropical cyclones that cause tornadoes or tornadoes are called hurricanes, then in Asia they are also called typhoons. Today we present Top 10 most destructive hurricanes in history, which killed hundreds of people from different parts of the world.

In Russia, such cataclysms occur much less frequently, and tornadoes are formed, as a rule, in coastal waters and rarely come ashore.

A powerful typhoon hit the coast of East Pakistan, causing the formation of a wave 8 meters high. According to various estimates, the death toll from the hurricane ranged from 300 to 800 thousand people, more than 10 million people in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India were left homeless.

9. Hurricane Polin (Mexico, 1997)

Hurricane-force winds and heavy rains caused landslides and floods in various parts of Mexico. About 400 people are considered dead, and 300,000 Mexicans were left without housing and livelihoods. The damage done to Pauline is estimated at $7.5 billion.

8. Hurricane Nargiz (Myanmar, 2008)

The hurricane caused catastrophic flooding, which, according to the UN, killed 138,000 people. 2.4 million people in Myanmar are considered affected. The damage caused by Nargiz is estimated at $4 billion.

7. Hurricane Sandy (USA, 2012)

The most destructive hurricane of the past year hit East Coast USA. The hurricane killed 113 people. The states of New York and New Jersey suffered the most damage.

6. Typhoon Nina (China, 1975)

The destructive power of Hurricane Nina allowed the Bankiao Dam to burst, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction of other dams. The number of victims of the hurricane is from 100 to 230 thousand people.

5. Hurricane Charlie (USA, Cuba, Jamaica, 2004)

Gusts of wind during the rampant of this element reached 240 km / h. The hurricane was rated a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale out of five. In the US, 2 million people were evacuated. Damage from Charlie amounted to $16.3 billion.

4. Hurricane Ivan (USA, Cuba, Cayman Islands, 2004)

The hurricane was assigned the highest category five on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The element is to blame for large-scale destruction in Cuba, the United States, Jamaica and Grenada. The damage caused by Ivan is estimated at $18 billion.

3. Hurricane Wilma (USA, Cuba, 2005)

This hurricane is the most powerful cyclone in the Atlantic on record. The cyclone originated in the ocean and made landfall several times. 62 people are considered dead from Wilma, the damage is estimated at $ 29 billion.

2. Hurricane Ike (USA, 2008)

The diameter of the giant eddy was more than 900 km. The wind speed during the hurricane reached 135 km/h. The cyclone "walked" across the United States for 14 hours, bringing with it destruction for a total of $ 30 billion.

1. Hurricane Katrina (USA, 2005)

Most destructive hurricane last decade definitely is Katrina. One of them says that they are almost never accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, Katrina was an exception to this rule. On the Saffir-Simpson scale, the cyclone received the fifth category. Hurricane-induced flooding covered 80% of New Orleans under water. 1836 people were killed, and the damage amounted to $125 billion.