what controls the direction of a hurricane after its formation?

Question

I know how it forms, but do the winds that started also control where it's going? Or why doesnt just sit there and keep on twisting in one spot

Answer 1

A hurricane (or any tropical system) is pretty much under the guidance of the environmental winds it is embedded within. Weaker systems tend to be guided by lower level winds while the movement of stronger tropical storms and hurricanes is generally dictated by mid and upper level flow. That is why Dean never made a northward turn. A mid and upper level high pressure area stayed north of Dean, forcing Dean to remain on its westerly track all the way into Mexico.

Answer 2

Coriolis force,upper level winds particularly jet streams and fricton effect when it is nearing the land ,affect the direction of a hurricane in addition to the intensity which sometimes over rides some of the above mentioned forces.

Answer 3

only god