Summary
Highlights
Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are tropical storms, essentially the same phenomenon but named according to their geographic location. Hurricanes form in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific (affecting the Caribbean and US), Cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, and Typhoons in the Northwestern Pacific. These storms begin with rain showers and thunderstorms over warm waters. The warm water heats the air, causing it to rise, creating a strong wind spiral that can reach speeds over 117 km/h. They weaken and dissipate when they encounter cooler water or land.
Hurricanes are categorized from 1 to 5 based on wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 1 storms are dangerous, with winds up to 153 km/h. Category 2 storms have winds up to 177 km/h, causing extensive damage. Categories 3 and above are considered major hurricanes: Category 3 winds reach 208 km/h, Category 4 winds reach 251 km/h, causing devastating damage and potential loss of life. Category 5 storms, with winds exceeding 252 km/h, bring catastrophic destruction.
Cyclones are also categorized by wind speed using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Seasonal cyclones form between November and April, affecting countries in Africa and Asia. Typhoons form from May to October, impacting Far Eastern countries like Japan and the Philippines. Typhoons are also measured using the Saffir-Simpson scale, with the most severe being super typhoons. All tropical storms are named for easier identification, with weather scientists meeting annually to choose new names alphabetically. Exceptionally destructive storm names are retired and never used again.