What characterizes a hurricane?

A hurricane is specifically characterized by being a tropical cyclone, which means it originates over warm ocean waters and is associated with low atmospheric pressure. This sustained low-pressure area leads to the rapid circulation of air, resulting in high wind speeds that can exceed 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). These high winds, combined with the organization of the storm structure, typically produce heavy rainfall and can lead to severe weather conditions, including storm surges, flooding, and tornados.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of a hurricane. While swirling windstorms are part of the definition, those that involve little rain would not meet the criteria for hurricanes, which are known for their heavy precipitation. Cold weather systems that bring snow do not fit into the tropical cyclone category at all, as they are associated with different meteorological dynamics. Lastly, a mild weather phenomenon with clear skies does not align with the intense and often destructive nature of hurricanes, which are anything but mild and are characterized by severe weather conditions. The defining features of a hurricane hinge upon the combination of its tropical nature, the resulting low-pressure system, and the presence of high winds rather than mild weather or cold atmospheric conditions.