Hi to all.... I've been watching these hurricanes and all the related info for the past year, ever since Charley came through town and had it's way with us. I understand the direct relation to millibars, troughs and other variables that make each hurricane different. What I don't understand, is what exactly do they mean when they say "a tropical wave off the coast of Africa". Is it literally a wave, as we picture it? Or is it a thunderstorm that blows off the coast? I'm just interested in the origins of these things..... :?: