A tropical weather system characterized by constant circulation of maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning, and possibly tornadoes. Sustained winds are continuously blowing at a certain speed (as opposed to wind gusts, which can be higher. Hurricanes are classified into five categories, which range from category 1 (winds of 74 mph) to category 5 (winds of 155 mph and over.).