Over the last century, scientists have learned a great deal about hurricanes. In the United States, several agencies actively monitor their development and progress. This information often leads to predictions regarding the most likely path that the hurricane will follow, and where it may strike land.

The picture above highlights the areas having the greatest amount of hurricane activity in the United States. Florida, Louisiana, and the Atlantic seaboard are at the highest risk. Areas further inland may receive increased amounts of rain associated with the hurricane (and sometimes tornadoes) which can pose a flooding threat.