All low-pressure systems are cyclones. Tropical cyclones are lows that derive their energy from thunderstorms at the centre of the system. These storms thrive on warm ocean waters and benefit from moist air and calm wind shear.

Tropical cyclones are some of the most powerful storms on Earth capable of shredding apart buildings, flooding the coast with a tsunamilike storm surge and causing a significant risk to lives and property.

The National Hurricane Center currently is tracking two tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, which covers the northern Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean, along with the one expected to move off Africa. ➤ September hurricane season forecast: Savor the break, but trouble is brewing in back half

The National Hurricane Center currently is tracking two tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, which covers the northern Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean. ➤ September hurricane season forecast: Savor the break, but trouble is brewing in back half

In a matter of hours today, Hurricane Kiko intensified into to a major hurricane, increasing from Category 2 to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. As of 11 a.m., the center of Kiko was about 1,600 miles east of Hilo with maximum sustained winds at 130 mph with locally higher gusts.