The spelling of the phrase "eye of hurricane" is phonetically broken down into /aɪ/ for "eye" and /əv/ for "of," with the stress on the first syllable. "Hurricane" is pronounced as /ˈhʌrɪkən/. The word "eye" refers to the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the violent winds of the hurricane's eyewall. It is important to spell this phrase correctly when discussing hurricanes and their effects, as it helps convey essential information accurately.
The term "eye of the hurricane" refers to a region at the center of a tropical cyclone, characterized by relatively calm and clear weather conditions in stark contrast to the violent and turbulent conditions prevalent within the storm's surrounding eyewall. It is a unique feature found in mature hurricanes and is crucial in understanding the overall structure and behavior of these powerful weather phenomena.
The eye typically exhibits a circular or elliptical shape, with a diameter ranging from a few kilometers to over a hundred kilometers. It is distinguished by an absence of precipitation, intense winds, and towering thunderstorms. The smooth and clear skies commonly observed inside the eye create a deceptive sense of tranquility, sometimes prompting the unfortunate misunderstanding that the danger has passed.
Within the eye, wind velocities significantly decrease, and atmospheric pressure tends to be at its lowest point. Sunlight often penetrates the eye, enhancing the calm appearance. This anomaly is mainly due to the conservation of angular momentum and the air descending in the center column of the storm, inhibiting cloud formation and allowing for a temporary respite from the powerful winds and heavy rainfall witnessed in the eyewall.
Care must be taken when maneuvering within the eye of a hurricane, as the surrounding eyewall contains the most destructive aspects of the storm. Surviving the eyewall is paramount to reaching the relative safety of the eye.