Cyclone, typhoon, hurricane - what’s the difference?
November 11th, 2009 - 9:20 pm ICT by IANSCyclone
A violent rotating windstorm that begins in the Southern Pacific and is characterised by the rapid inward circulation of air masses about a low-pressure center.
Hurricane
If a storm was to form in the Atlantic or eastern Pacific Ocean, we would call it a hurricane. So, basically every storm that endangers the United States is a hurricane.
Typhoon
A typhoon is generally any storm that begins in the western Pacific. So a storm that threatens Japan or the islands of Guam or the Philippines is called a typhoon. Winds from a typhoon are usually stronger than a hurricane, however they endanger far less land area due to their locations.
- Tropical Storm Katia forms in the far eastern Atlantic, set to become major hurricane - Aug 30, 2011
- Ocean's colour can change hurricane patterns: Study - Aug 14, 2010
- Death toll reaches 38 after Typhoon Talas hits Japan - Sep 05, 2011
- Tropical Storm Jose passes west of Bermuda - Aug 29, 2011
- Hurricane Katia strengthens into a major category four hurricane - Sep 06, 2011
- Tropical depression forms in the far eastern Atlantic, may threaten the Caribbean - Aug 29, 2011
- Tropical Storm Eugene forms in the Pacific, no threat to land - Jul 31, 2011
- Typhoon Talas leaves at least 18 dead in Japan - Sep 04, 2011
- Category four hurricane Hilary could threaten Baja California - Sep 24, 2011
- Tropical Storm Aletta forms far off Mexico's Pacific coast, no threat - May 15, 2012
- Bermuda cancels tropical storm warning as Gert turns to the northeast - Aug 16, 2011
- Hurricane Danielle unexpectedly weakens to a category two storm, aims for Bermuda - Aug 24, 2010
- NOAA predicts active Hurricane Season in US - May 28, 2010
- NOAA predicts busy Atlantic hurricane season - May 27, 2010
- Tropical Storm Kenneth forms in the Eastern Pacific, expected to strengthen - Nov 21, 2011
Tags: air masses, circulation, cyclone, eastern pacific ocean, guam, hurricane typhoon, japan, philippines, typhoon hurricane, typhoon winds, united states, windstorm