eye

References

Images & Videos

Diagram showing the anatomy of a tropical cyclone with a top view and a vertical cross section. The top view highlights the cyclone's spiral shape with a central eye and surrounding eyewall. The cross section illustrates the eye, eyewall, spiral rainbands, outflow cloud shields, and airflow patterns including spiraling winds, rotation, and descending air.

Satellite image showing three labeled hurricanes—Florence, Isaac, and Helene—across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2018.

Satellite view of a rotating hurricane, showing swirling cloud bands and a defined central eye.

3D cross-sectional illustration of a hurricane over ocean, showing cloud bands and vertical structure of storm systems.

eye: Media

tropical cyclone

Videos

Satellite image showing three labeled hurricanes—Florence, Isaac, and Helene—across the Atlantic Ocean in September 2018.

How Do Hurricanes Form?

We have questions about hurricane season. Britannica editor John Rafferty has answers.

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Satellite view of a rotating hurricane, showing swirling cloud bands and a defined central eye.

What does the inside of a hurricane look like?

Go inside the eye of the storm.

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

3D cross-sectional illustration of a hurricane over ocean, showing cloud bands and vertical structure of storm systems.

How do cyclones form?

Cyclones look like huge disks of clouds.

Video: Created and produced by QA International. © QA International, 2010. All rights reserved. www.qa-international.com

Images

Diagram showing the anatomy of a tropical cyclone with a top view and a vertical cross section. The top view highlights the cyclone's spiral shape with a central eye and surrounding eyewall. The cross section illustrates the eye, eyewall, spiral rainbands, outflow cloud shields, and airflow patterns including spiraling winds, rotation, and descending air.

tropical cyclone

Infographic showing the anatomy of a tropical cyclone.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.