Hurricane Erin, while no longer a Category 5 storm, is a huge storm. Part of why it's become so large is a process known as the eyewall replacement cycle.

An infamous example of an eyewall replacement cycle happened before Hurricane Katrina made landfall.

What is the eyewall replacement cycle?

The eyewall replacement cycle (ERC) is the hurricane's way of trying to sustain itself. Category 5 storms, while incredibly intense, cannot keep that kind of energy going for very long.

It's like the figure skater analogy. If a figure skater has their arms wrapped tightly, they spin faster. In most cases, however, you'll see them bring their arms out as a way to keep spinning. BUT, they spin much more slowly.

What are the stages to the "ERC?"

You start out with a neatly defined eye to the h

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