How is it determined if a storm is a hurricane or not?

A storm is classified as a hurricane when it reaches a sustained wind speed of at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) and forms over warm ocean waters. Specifically, it must develop into a tropical cyclone, which involves a low-pressure center, organized thunderstorms, and a defined circulation pattern. The classification is part of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes hurricanes into five categories based on their wind speeds and potential damage. Meteorological agencies monitor these conditions to make the determination.