How do hurricanes form and are they getting stronger?

Hurricanes are powerful storms that form in warm tropical ocean waters, also known as cyclones or typhoons in different regions. Warmer oceans and atmosphere due to climate change can make hurricanes more intense, with higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased risk of coastal flooding. While the frequency of hurricanes has not increased globally, a higher proportion have reached category three or above in the past four decades, according to the IPCC. Climate change can boost hurricane intensity by increasing energy from warmer ocean waters and causing more intense rainfall.