why is the south in more danger from hurricanes than the Midwest or the Northeast?

http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm

The South tends to be more prone to hurricanes compared to the Midwest or Northeast due to a combination of geographical and meteorological factors. Here's an explanation of why the South is at a higher risk:

1. Geographical location: The South, particularly the southeastern coast of the United States, is closer to warm ocean waters in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes tend to form over these warm waters, so the closer a region is to these areas, the higher the likelihood of hurricane formation and landfall. The Midwest, being far from coastal regions, is less likely to experience hurricanes.

2. Oceanic and atmospheric conditions: The South benefits from warm sea surface temperatures and high humidity, which are favorable conditions for hurricane formation and intensification. The warm ocean waters provide the necessary heat and moisture that hurricanes feed on. On the other hand, the Midwest and the Northeast are farther from these warm waters and generally experience cooler temperatures and drier air, making it less conducive for hurricane development.

3. Prevailing wind patterns: The South often experiences prevailing winds that can steer hurricanes in its direction. For example, the Bermuda High, a high-pressure system located over the western Atlantic Ocean, can act as a steering mechanism, directing hurricanes in a westward motion towards the South. Conversely, the Midwest and Northeast are usually influenced by different wind patterns that are less likely to steer hurricanes towards these regions.

It's important to note that while the South is more prone to hurricanes, the Midwest and Northeast are not completely immune to their effects. While hurricanes may be less frequent in these regions, they can still occur, particularly in coastal areas and regions that are impacted by the remnants of tropical storms.