What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

The National Hurricane Center in the United States (NHC) has slightly changed the wind speeds associated with cyclones for 2010 as detailed below -

Tropical Depression
An organized cloud system with thunderstorms including a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less

Tropical Storm
An organized strong thunderstorm system with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots)

Hurricane
This is an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher

The strength of hurricanes is categorised using the Saffir-Simpson scale - with a category 1 being the "weakest" hurricane rising to a dangerous category 5. Even though a category 5 is the strongest and most deadly type of hurricane you can get, the lower category storms can cause as much damage if not more in cases depending on the amount of rainfall and ocean swell caused by the storms. These storms cause flooding and waves can swell as much as 15feet depending on coastal areas. Even a tropical storm can produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.

Hurricane Names
When the the winds of a tropical depression reach 39 mph (34 knots), the cyclones are given names and said names are used to facilitate geographic referencing, for warning services, for legal issues, and to reduce confusion when two or more tropical cyclones occur at the same time.
2010 Hurricane Names - Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie & Walter

Preparing for a Tropical Storm or Hurrricane.
Unlike earthquakes, hurricanes do give us plenty of warning of their pending arrival. This is all thanks to the NHC, National Weather Service and local media channels. These storms are tracked as soon as they form so that the general public are fully informed and know what to do. Here in the Dominican Republic, we have been very fortunate over many a past hurricane season where they have simply by-passed the island, but this does not mean we should all become complacent and think it will never happen to us. If a watch or warning is issued listen to the advice given to you by your hotel representative or manager and continue to do as they say until the watch is dropped.  
We will be adding a Hurricane guide forthwith to the RealDR website within the next few weeks with all the information you need to be prepared should you be affected by one of these storms while here in the Dominican Republic.