Severe tropical storms, heat and energy, and surging ocean waters all combine to form hurricanes that can cause hugely destructive consequences. This fascinating story of how hurricanes happen follows some of the most historic examples of hurricanes around the world, including Katrina, Galveston, Mitch, Wilma, Andrew, Ike, and Typhoon Vera. Readers discover the tools meteorologists use to predict hurricanes and the lessons people have learned from the social upheaval caused by these severe storms. Sidebars include eyewitness accounts of personal experiences and behind-the-scene perspectives on why the disasters happened.