Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

With extreme weather conditions on the rise as a result of climate change, weather phenomenon such as hurricanes are becoming more and more frequent, and hitting areas not previously known to experience them. Read on for some information about tropical storms.

What is The Difference Between a Hurricane and a Typhoon?

Nothing except geography. Tropical storms of sustained 74mph+ winds are known by different names depending on the region, but are essentially the same thing. In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific oceans, the storms are called hurricanes, the word likely derived from either the Caribbean Indians whose storm god was called "Huracan" or the ancient Mexican word "hurrikan." In the western Pacific, the same storm is a typhoon, probably after the Chinese word "ty-fung" meaning big wind. In the Indian Ocean, it is a cyclone, and in Australia, hurricanes and dust devils are known as Willy Willys.

What Are The Stages of Tropical Storm Development?

Tropical storms are classified by peak wind speed: An easterly (tropical) wave is a group of thunderstorms traveling together, sometimes called a hurricane seedling, out of which larger storms can emerge. A tropical depression is a cluster of thunderstorms with sustained winds below 38 mph. A tropical storm is more organized, with winds between 39 and 73 mph. A hurricane has winds of 74 mph and above.

What is The Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning?

Hurricane watches and warnings are issued by the Tropical Prediction Center, and branch of the National Weather Service, in order to give people some warning of approaching storms in the hopes that they can prepare accordingly and minimize damage to property and loss of life. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible, usually within 36 hours.

A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected, within 24 hours.

What is The "Eye" of The Storm?

The eye of a hurricane is a nearly calm region in the centre of the whirlwind, which is typically 5 - 15 miles across. Sunny skies and minimal winds may be experienced in the eye, and it may take anywhere from minutes to an hour to pass. The more violent the storm, the smaller the eye will be. Surrounding the eye is a bank of clouds known as the "eye wall", where devastating winds may be swirling at 150 mph or more. If you are experiencing a tropical storm, don't be fooled by the calm skies of the eye, for many people have been lured outside to inspect damage and gotten caught in the returning wall when the eye passed.