The word cyclone refers to many different types of storms.

In this video lesson you will learn about

how cyclones form, what makes each type different, and what their effects are on both people and
the environment.

What Are Cyclones?

Location, location, location! This is especially important when we're talking about ocean storms
because the location of the storm determines what we call it. For example, if the storm occurs in the
Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific, it's called a hurricane. If the exact same type of storm occurs
in the Northwest Pacific, this is a typhoon. And if we find those same storms in the South Pacific and
Indian Ocean, these are called tropical cyclones.
Cyclone refers to any spinning storm that rotates around a low-pressure center. The low-pressure
center is also referred to as the 'eye' of the storm, which is well known for being eerily calm
compared with the areas under the spinning 'arms' of the storm. You could say that the eye is
watching what's going on down below, so it needs a clear path, but the arms are where all the action
happens because this is where the storm is throwing out all of its rain and wind.

Types of Cyclones
The term 'cyclone' actually refers to several different types of storms. They occur in different places,
and some occur over land while others occur over water. What they all have in common is that they
are spinning storms rotating around that low-pressure center.
Tropical cyclones are what most people are familiar with because these are cyclones that occur
over tropical ocean regions. Hurricanes and typhoons are actually types of tropical cyclones, but they
have different names so that it's clear where that storm is occurring. Hurricanes are found in the
Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoons are found in the Northwest Pacific. If you hear 'tropical
cyclone,' you should assume that it's occurring in the South Pacific or Indian Ocean, but for this
lesson, we'll use it refer to all types of tropical ocean cyclones.
We can also further describe tropical cyclones based on their wind speeds. They are called category
1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, increasing with intensity and wind speed as the number increases. A category 1
cyclone is the weakest, with wind speeds of 74-95 mph. A category 5 cyclone, on the other hand, is
extremely dangerous and has the potential for major damage. Category 5 cyclones have wind
speeds of 155 mph and above!
Polar cyclones are cyclones that occur in polar regions like Greenland, Siberia and Antarctica.
Unlike tropical cyclones, polar cyclones are usually stronger in winter months. As you can see, these
storms really do prefer the colder weather! They also occur in areas that aren't very populated, so
any damage they do is usually pretty minimal.
A mesocyclone is when part of a thunderstorm cloud starts to spin, which may eventually lead to a
tornado. 'Meso' means 'middle', so you can think of this as the mid-point between one type of storm
and the other. Tornadoes all come from thunderstorm clouds, but not all thunderstorm clouds make

tornadoes. In order for a tornado to occur, part of that cloud has to spin, and though you can't really
see this happening, this is the intermediate, or 'meso' step from regular cloud to dangerous spinning
cloud running along the ground.

Formation of a Cyclone
Even though they form over different areas, cyclones tend to come about in the same way and
revolve around that low-pressure eye. Warm air likes to rise, and as it rises, it cools. Cool air can't
hold as much moisture as warm air, so that water gets squeezed out of the condensing air and a
cloud begins to form. If the warm air rises very quickly, this creates an updraft.
Likewise, if the water in the cloud builds up enough, it may fall back to the ground as rain and draw
cool air down with it as a downdraft. When they work together, that warm updraft and cool
downdraft create a storm cell. As this process continues, the cloud grows and we eventually get a
large thunderstorm cloud.
This thunderstorm cloud is now ready to diversify into other storms like tropical cyclones and
tornadoes. But this can't happen unless the air in the cloud starts spinning horizontally. If this occurs
over the tropical ocean, this is called a tropical depression. This is like a baby tropical cyclone, with
wind speeds less than 39 mph.
If it starts spinning even faster and has wind speeds between 40-73 mph, we have a tropical storm.
If the storm grows even larger over the tropical ocean and has wind speeds above 74 mph, we have
our full-grown hurricane, typhoon or cyclone, depending on where that storm is found.
If the spinning occurs over land, we now have our mesocyclone. If the mesocyclone gets spinning
fast enough that the cloud starts reaching toward the ground like a long arm, this is the beginning of
a tornado. If the cloud's arm reaches all the way to the ground and grabs hold, this is now officially a
tornado, ready to suck up everything in its path like a giant vacuum cleaner hose.

Cyclone in meteorology refers to any low pressure area with winds spiraling inwards. Cyclones
rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cyclone is the general term for a variety of low pressure system types, such as tropical
cyclones, extra tropical cyclones and tornadoes.
The largest of the low-pressure systems are the extratropical cyclones and the cold-core polar
cyclones which lie on the synoptic scale which in meteorology is a horizontal length of 1000 km or
more. The Warm-core cyclones are the tropical cyclones, mesocyclones, and the polar lows that lie
within the smaller mesoscale. The Subtropical cyclones are intermediate in size. Cyclones have also
been on other planets outside of the Earth, such as Mars and Neptune. For example the Great Red
Spot of Jupiter and the Great Black Spot of Neptune.

Cyclones are also referred to as hurricanes and typhoons. They consist of the eye, eyewall and
rainbands.
The process of cyclone formation and intensification is described as Cyclogenesis. The formation of
Extratropical cyclones comes as waves in large regions of enhancedmidlatitude temperature
contrasts which are called baroclinic zones. These zones contract to form weather fronts as the
circulation of the cyclone closes and gets more intense. Later in their life cycle, cyclones form what
is called an occluded front. The cyclone's track is then guided over the course of an 2 to 6 day life
cycle by its steering flow of the polar or subtropical jetstream.
The calmest part of a cyclone is its eye which is at the middle of a cyclone.
In meteorology, a cyclone is a large scale air mass that rotates around strong centers of low
pressure.[1][2] This is usually characterized by inward spiraling windsthat rotate counterclockwise in
the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. Most large-scale
cyclonic circulations are centered on areas of low atmospheric pressure.[3][4] The largest low-pressure
systems are cold-core polar cyclones and extratropical cyclones which lie on thesynoptic scale.
According to the National Hurricane Center glossary, warm-core cyclones such as tropical
cyclones and subtropical cyclones also lie within the synoptic scale.
[5]

Mesocyclones, tornadoes and dust devils lie within the smaller mesoscale.[6] Upper level cyclones

can exist without the presence of a surface low, and can pinch off from the base of the Tropical
Upper Tropospheric Trough during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Cyclones have
also been seen on extraterrestrial planets, such as Mars and Neptune.[7][8] Cyclogenesis describes
the process of cyclone formation and intensification. [9] Extratropical cyclones form as waves in large
regions of enhanced mid-latitude temperature contrasts called baroclinic zones. These zones
contract to form weather fronts as the cyclonic circulation closes and intensifies. Later in their life
cycle, cyclones occlude as cold core systems. A cyclone's track is guided over the course of its 2 to
6 day life cycle by the steering flow of the cancer or subtropical jet stream.
Weather fronts separate two masses of air of different densities and are associated with the most
prominent meteorological phenomena. Air masses separated by a front may differ
in temperature or humidity. Strong cold fronts typically feature narrow bands
of thunderstorms and severe weather, and may on occasion be preceded by squall lines or dry lines.
They form west of the circulation center and generally move from west to east. Warm fronts form
east of the cyclone center and are usually preceded by stratiform precipitation and fog. They
move poleward ahead of the cyclone path. Occluded fronts form late in the cyclone life cycle near
the center of the cyclone and often wrap around the storm center.
Tropical cyclogenesis describes the process of development of tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones
form due to latent heat driven by significant thunderstorm activity, and are warm core. [10] Cyclones
can transition between extratropical, subtropical, and tropical phases under the right conditions.

Mesocyclones form as warm core cyclones over land, and can lead to tornado formation.
[11]

Waterspouts can also form from mesocyclones, but more often develop from environments of high

instability and low vertical wind shear.[12] In the Atlantic and the northeastern Pacific oceans, a
tropical cyclone is generally referred to as a hurricane(from the name of the ancient Central
American deity of wind, Huracan), in the Indian and south Pacific oceans it is called a cyclone, and
in the northwestern Pacific it is called a typhoon.[13]

There are a number of structural characteristics common to all cyclones. A cyclone is a low-pressure
area.[14] A cyclone's center (often known in a mature tropical cyclone as the eye), is the area of lowest
atmospheric pressure in the region. [14] Near the center, the pressure gradient force (from the pressure
in the center of the cyclone compared to the pressure outside the cyclone) and the force from
the Coriolis effect must be in an approximate balance, or the cyclone would collapse on itself as a
result of the difference in pressure.[15]
Because of the Coriolis effect, the wind flow around a large cyclone is counterclockwise in the
Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. [16]Cyclonic circulation is sometimes
referred to as contra solem. In the Northern Hemisphere, the fastest winds relative to the surface of
the Earth therefore occur on the eastern side of a northward-moving cyclone and on the northern
side of a westward-moving one; the opposite occurs in the Southern Hemisphere. [17] (The wind flow
around an anticyclone, on the other hand, is clockwise in the northern hemisphere, and
counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.)

Formation[edit]

The initial extratropical low-pressure area forms at the location of the red dot on the image. It is usually
perpendicular (at a right angle to) the leaf-like cloud formation seen on satellite during the early stage of
cyclogenesis. The location of the axis of the upper level jet stream is in light blue.

Tropical cyclones form when the energy released by the condensation of moisture in rising air causes
a positive feedback loopover warm ocean waters.[18]

Main articles: Cyclogenesis and Tropical cyclogenesis

Cyclogenesis is the development or strengthening of cyclonic circulation in the atmosphere (a lowpressure area).[9] Arctic Climatology and Meteorology.[19] Cyclogenesis is an umbrella term for several
different processes, all of which result in the development of some sort of cyclone. It can occur at
various scales, from the microscale to the synoptic scale.
Extratropical cyclones form as waves along weather fronts before occluding later in their life cycle as
cold core cyclones.
Tropical cyclones form due to latent heat driven by significant thunderstorm activity, and are warm
core. They can be extremely dangerous.
[10]

Mesocyclones form as warm core cyclones over land, and can lead to tornado formation.

[11]

Waterspouts can also form from mesocyclones, but more often develop from environments of high

instability and low vertical wind shear.[12] Cyclogenesis is the opposite of cyclolysis, and has an
anticyclonic (high-pressure system)equivalent which deals with the formation of high-pressure areas
Anticyclogenesis.[20]
The surface low has a variety of ways of forming. Topography can force a surface low when dense
low-level high-pressure system ridges in east of a north-south mountain barrier.[21] Mesoscale
convective systems can spawn surface lows which are initially warm core. [22] The disturbance can
grow into a wave-like formation along the front and the low will be positioned at the crest. Around the
low, flow will become cyclonic, by definition. This rotational flow will push polar air equatorward west
of the low via its trailing cold front, and warmer air with push poleward low via the warm front.
Usually the cold front will move at a quicker pace than the warm front and "catch up" with it due to
the slow erosion of higher density airmass located out ahead of the cyclone and the higher density
airmass sweeping in behind the cyclone, usually resulting in a narrowing warm sector.[23] At this point
an occluded front forms where the warm air mass is pushed upwards into a trough of warm air aloft,
which is also known as a trowal.[24]
Tropical cyclogenesis is the technical term describing the development and strengthening of
a tropical cyclone in the atmosphere.[25] The mechanisms through which tropical cyclogenesis occurs

are distinctly different from those through which mid-latitude cyclogenesis occurs. Tropical
cyclogenesis involves the development of a warm-core cyclone, due to significant convection in a
favorable atmospheric environment. There are six main requirements for tropical cyclogenesis:
sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures,[26] atmospheric instability, high humidity in the lower to
middle levels of the troposphere, enough Coriolis force to develop a low-pressure center, a
preexisting low-level focus or disturbance, and low vertical wind shear.[27] An average of 86 tropical
cyclones of tropical storm intensity form annually worldwide, with 47 reaching hurricane/typhoon
strength, and 20 becoming intense tropical cyclones (at least Category 3 intensity on the Saffir
Simpson Hurricane Scale).[28]

Synoptic scale[edit]

A fictitious synoptic chart of an extratropical cyclone affecting the UK and Ireland. The blue arrows
between isobarsindicate the direction of the wind, while the "L" symbol denotes the centre of the "low". Note the
occluded, cold and warm frontal boundaries.

The following types of cyclones are identifiable in synoptic charts.

Surface-based types[edit]
See also: Low-pressure area
There are three main types surface-based cyclones: Extratropical cyclones, Subtropical
cyclones and Tropical cyclones
Extratropical cyclone[edit]
Main article: Extratropical cyclone
An extratropical cyclone is a synoptic scale low-pressure weather system that does not
have tropical characteristics, being connected with fronts and
horizontalgradients in temperature and dew point otherwise known as "baroclinic zones".[29]
The descriptor "extratropical" refers to the fact that this type of cyclone generally occurs outside of
the tropics, in the middle latitudes of the planet. These systems may also be described as "mid-

latitude cyclones" due to their area of formation, or "post-tropical cyclones" where extratropical
transition has occurred,[29][30] and are often described as "depressions" or "lows" by weather
forecasters and the general public. These are the everyday phenomena which along with anticyclones, drive the weather over much of the Earth.
Although extratropical cyclones are almost always classified as baroclinic since they form along
zones of temperature and dewpoint gradient within the westerlies, they can sometimes
become barotropic late in their life cycle when the temperature distribution around the cyclone
becomes fairly uniform with radius.[31] An extratropical cyclone can transform into a subtropical storm,
and from there into a tropical cyclone, if it dwells over warm waters and develops central convection,
which warms its core.[32] One intense type of extratropical cyclone that strikes during wintertime is
a nor'easter.
Polar low[edit]
Main article: Polar low

Polar low over the Barents Sea on February 27, 1987

A polar low is a small-scale, short-lived atmospheric low-pressure system (depression) that is found
over the ocean areas poleward of the main polar front in both the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres. Polar lows are cold-core so they can be considered as a subset of extratropical
cyclones. Polar lows were first identified on the meteorological satellite imagery that became
available in the 1960s, which revealed many small-scale cloud vortices at high latitudes. The most
active polar lows are found over certain ice-free maritime areas in or near the Arctic during the
winter, such as the Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea, Labrador Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Polar lows
dissipate rapidly when they make landfall. Antarctic systems tend to be weaker than their northern
counterparts since the air-sea temperature differences around the continent are generally
smaller[citation needed]. However, vigorous polar lows can be found over the Southern Ocean. During winter,
when cold-core lows with temperatures in the mid-levels of the troposphere reach 45 C (49 F)
move over open waters, deep convection forms which allows polar low development to become

possible.[33] The systems usually have a horizontal length scale of less than 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)
and exist for no more than a couple of days. They are part of the larger class of mesoscale weather
systems. Polar lows can be difficult to detect using conventional weather reports and are a hazard to
high-latitude operations, such as shipping and gas and oil platforms. Polar lows have been referred
to by many other terms, such as polar mesoscale vortex, Arctic hurricane, Arctic low, and cold air
depression. Today the term is usually reserved for the more vigorous systems that have nearsurface winds of at least 17 m/s.[34]
Subtropical[edit]

Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007

Main article: Subtropical cyclone

A subtropical cyclone is a weather system that has some characteristics of a tropical cyclone and
some characteristics of an extratropical cyclone. They can form between the equator and the 50th
parallel.[35] As early as the 1950s, meteorologists were unclear whether they should be characterized
as tropical cyclones or extratropical cyclones, and used terms such as quasi-tropical and semitropical to describe the cyclone hybrids.[36] By 1972, the National Hurricane Center officially
recognized this cyclone category.[37] Subtropical cyclones began to receive names off the official
tropical cyclone list in the Atlantic Basin in 2002.[35] They have broad wind patterns with maximum
sustained winds located farther from the center than typical tropical cyclones, and exist in areas of
weak to moderate temperature gradient. [35]
Since they form from initially extratropical cyclones which have colder temperatures aloft than
normally found in the tropics, the sea surface temperatures required for their formation are lower
than the tropical cyclone threshold by three degrees Celsius, or five degrees Fahrenheit, lying
around 23 degrees Celsius.[38] This means that subtropical cyclones are more likely to form outside

the traditional bounds of the hurricane season. Although subtropical storms rarely have hurricaneforce winds, they may become tropical in nature as their cores warm. [39]
Tropical[edit]
Main article: Tropical cyclone

2013 Atlantic hurricane seasonsummary map

A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low-pressure center and

numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and flooding rain. A tropical cyclone feeds on
heat released when moist air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapour contained in the moist
air. They are fueled by a different heat mechanism than other cyclonic windstorms such
as nor'easters, European windstorms, and polar lows, leading to their classification as "warm core"
storm systems.[10]

Cyclone Catarina, a rare South Atlantic tropical cyclone viewed from the International Space Station on March
26, 2004

The term "tropical" refers to both the geographic origin of these systems, which form almost
exclusively in tropical regions of the globe, and their formation in Maritime Tropical air masses. The
term "cyclone" refers to such storms' cyclonic nature, withcounterclockwise rotation in the Northern
Hemisphere and clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere. Depending on their location and
strength, tropical cyclones are referred to by other names, such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical
storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, or simply as a cyclone.

While tropical cyclones can produce extremely powerful winds and torrential rain, they are also able
to produce high waves and damaging storm surge.[40] They develop over large bodies of warm water,
[41]

and lose their strength if they move over land.[42]This is the reason coastal regions can receive

significant damage from a tropical cyclone, while inland regions are relatively safe from receiving
strong winds. Heavy rains, however, can produce significant flooding inland, and storm surges can
produce extensive coastal flooding up to 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the coastline. Although their
effects on human populations can be devastating, tropical cyclones can also
relieve drought conditions.[43] They also carry heat and energy away from the tropics and transport it
toward temperate latitudes, which makes them an important part of the global atmospheric
circulation mechanism. As a result, tropical cyclones help to maintain equilibrium in the
Earth's troposphere.
Many tropical cyclones develop when the atmospheric conditions around a weak disturbance in the
atmosphere are favorable. Others form when other types of cyclones acquire tropical characteristics.
Tropical systems are then moved by steering winds in the troposphere; if the conditions remain
favorable, the tropical disturbance intensifies, and can even develop an eye. On the other end of the
spectrum, if the conditions around the system deteriorate or the tropical cyclone makes landfall, the
system weakens and eventually dissipates. A tropical cyclone can become extratropical as it moves
toward higher latitudes if its energy source changes from heat released by condensation to
differences in temperature between air masses;[10] From an operational standpoint, a tropical cyclone
is usually not considered to become subtropical during its extratropical transition. [44]

Atlantic hurricane

Pacific typhoon

North Indian Ocean cyclone

South Pacific cyclone

Upper level types[edit]

Polar cyclone[edit]
Main article: Polar cyclone
A polar, sub-polar, or Arctic cyclone (also known as a polar vortex)[45] is a vast area of low
pressure which strengthens in the winter and weakens in the summer.[46] A polar cyclone is a lowpressure weather system, usually spanning 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) to 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi),
in which the air circulates in a counterclockwise direction in the northern hemisphere, and a
clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the polar cyclone has
two centers on average. One center lies near Baffin Island and the other over northeast Siberia. [45] In
the southern hemisphere, it tends to be located near the edge of the Ross ice shelf near 160 west
longitude.[47] When the polar vortex is strong, westerly flow descends to the Earth's surface. When
the polar cyclone is weak, significant cold outbreaks occur.[48]
TUTT cell[edit]
Main article: Upper tropospheric cyclonic vortex
Under specific circumstances, upper cold lows can break off from the base of the Tropical Upper
Tropospheric Trough (TUTT), which is located mid-ocean in the Northern Hemisphere during the
summer months. These upper tropospheric cyclonic vortices, also known as TUTT cells or TUTT

lows, usually move slowly from east-northeast to west-southwest, and generally do not extend below
20,000 feet in altitude. A weak inverted surface trough within the trade wind is generally found
underneath them, and they may also be associated with broad areas of high-level clouds. Downward
development results in an increase of cumulus clouds and the appearance of a surface vortex. In
rare cases, they become warm-core, resulting in the vortex becoming a tropical cyclone. Upper
cyclones and upper troughs which trail tropical cyclones can cause additional outflow channels and
aid in their intensification process. Developing tropical disturbances can help create or deepen upper
troughs or upper lows in their wake due to the outflow jet emanating from the developing tropical
disturbance/cyclone.[49][50]

Mesoscale[edit]
The following types of cyclones are not identifiable in synoptic charts.

Mesocyclone[edit]
Main article: Mesocyclone
A mesocyclone is a vortex of air, 2.0 kilometres (1.2 mi) to 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) in diameter
(the mesoscale of meteorology), within a convective storm.[51] Air rises and rotates around a vertical
axis, usually in the same direction as low-pressure systems in both northern and southern
hemisphere. They are most often cyclonic, that is, associated with a localized low-pressure region
within a supercell.[52] Such storms can feature strong surface winds and severe hail. Mesocyclones
often occur together with updrafts in supercells, where tornadoes may form. About 1700
mesocyclones form annually across the United States, but only half produce tornadoes.[11]

Tornado[edit]
Main article: Tornado
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and
a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. Also referred to as twisters, a
collequial term in America, or cyclones, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology, in a wider
sense, to name any closed low-pressure circulation.

Dust devil[edit]
Main article: Dust devil
A dust devil is a strong, well-formed, and relatively long-lived whirlwind, ranging from small (half a
metre wide and a few metres tall) to large (more than 10 metres wide and more than 1000 metres
tall). The primary vertical motion is upward. Dust devils are usually harmless, but can on rare
occasions grow large enough to pose a threat to both people and property.

Waterspout[edit]
Main article: Waterspout
A waterspout is a columnar vortex forming over water that is, in its most common form, a nonsupercell tornado over water that is connected to a cumuliform cloud. While it is often weaker than
most of its land counterparts, stronger versions spawned by mesocyclones do occur.

Steam devil[edit]
Main article: Steam devil
A gentle vortex over calm water or wet land made visible by rising water vapour.

Other planets[edit]

Cyclone on Mars, imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope

Cyclones are not unique to Earth. Cyclonic storms are common on Jovian planets, such as the Small
Dark Spot on Neptune. It is about one third the diameter of the Great Dark Spot and received the
nickname "Wizard's Eye" because it looks like an eye. This appearance is caused by a white cloud
in the middle of the Wizard's Eye. [8] Mars has also exhibited cyclonic storms.[7] Jovian storms like
the Great Red Spot are usually mistakenly named as giant hurricanes or cyclonic storms. However,
this is inaccurate, as the Great Red Spot is, in fact, the inverse phenomenon, an anticyclone.[53]

Essay on Cyclone: Warning, Safety Precautions and Timely Actions to

Reduce Damage!

The intense tropical storms are known in different parts of the world by different names. In the Pacific Ocean, they are called typhoons, in the Indian
Ocean they are called cyclones and over North Atlantic, and they are called
hurricanes. Among various natural calamities, tropical cyclones are known to
claim a higher share of deaths and destruction world over. Records show that
about 80 tropical cyclones form over the globe every year.
India has a vast coast line which is frequently affected by tropical cyclones
causing heavy loss of human lives and property. Cyclones occur usually
between April and May (called pre-monsoon cyclonic storms) and between
October and December (called post-monsoon cyclonic storms). While cyclonic
storms cant be prevented, the loss of lives and damage to the properties can
be mitigated if prompt action is taken after receiving timely warnings.

Cyclone Warning:
Meteorologists have been using satellite images for monitoring storms for
about thirty years. One of the most important applications in this endeavor is
to determine the strength and intensity of a storm. In the late 1960s,
meteorologists began observing tropical cyclones at more frequent intervals.
The infrared sensors aboard polar orbiting satellites began providing day-andnight observations while geo-stationary satellite provided the continuous
coverage during day time.
There exists a very efficient cyclone warning system in India which is
comparable to the best known in the world. The approach essentially involves
the prediction of the track and intensity of the cyclone using conventional as
well as satellite and radar-based techniques.

The most striking advantage of the earth observation satellite data has been
demonstrated during the recent Orissa super-cyclone event. A severe cyclonic
storm with a wind speed of about 260 kmph hit the Orissa coast at Paradip on
29th October, 1999 causing extensive damage to human life, property,
livestock and public utilities. The National Remote Sensing Agency acted
promptly and provided spatial extent of inundated areas.
A cyclone warning is issued as soon as gales or stronger winds are expected
to affect coastal or island communities within 24 hours. It identifies the
communities being threatened and contains the cyclones name, its location,
intensity, and its movements. Forecasts of heavy rainfall, flooding and
abnormally high tides are included when necessary. Communities under threat
are also advised to take precautions necessary to safeguard their lives and
property.

Safety Precautions and Timely Actions to Reduce

Damage:
Cyclone is 24 hours away:
i. Fill water buckets and cover them.
ii. Top up your cars fuel tank.
iii. Ensure you have fresh batteries for your radio.
iv. Make sure you have adequate supplies of prescribed medicines.
v. Stock up on non perishable food items if required.
vi. Ensure your neighbors are aware of the issued warning.

Cyclone is 16 hours away:

i. Listen to the media for regular updates.
ii. Ensure your children are home.
iii. Gather tools that will be needed for emergency repairs, e.g. hammer, nails,
rope, and tarpaulins.
iv. If you live in a caravan, identify a solid structure to which you can move if
required.

Cyclone is 9 hours away:

i. Prepare the safest part of your house (usually the bathroom) and place
emergency stores there.
ii. Account for and lock up your pets.
iii. Gather protective gear and place in shelter.
Cyclone is 6 hours away:
i. Listen to the media for regular updates.
ii. If you use gas, turn if off at the bottle.
iii. Stay in a safe place, dont move.
iv. Do not make unnecessary demands on the emergency services.

v. Beware of the calm eye of the cyclone and do not go outside until you are
advised to do so.
When the Cyclone has passed:
i. Listen to the media for regular updates.
ii. Do not make unnecessary demands on the emergency services.
iii. Do not touch wet switches, and beware of fallen power lines, treat them as
if they are live.
iv. Stay at home resist the urge to go sightseeing. The water surge caused by
your vehicle can send flood water into peoples homes.
If a cyclone comes, it is strongly advised that you stay in a safe place, listen to
the radio and abide by the instructions on the radio. But move early. Remember that most injuries and fatalities in cyclones result from people being hit by
flying debris while outside in high winds. Outside movement becomes both difficult and dangerous once wind gusts exceed 85km/h and should cease once
gusts exceed 100km/h.
If you feel your house/shelter is not safe, see if you can shelter in a neighbors
house or move to the community emergency centre as advised by the radio.
Check to see that your neighbors, in particular those who are elderly, have
disabilities, or are living alone, are safe.
Cyclone is a swirling atmospheric disturbance in which strong winds blow in a circle,
and rotate in the same direction as rotation of the earth. These comprise spiralling
winds that are usually centred in areas that have low atmospheric pressures. At the
same time, they are surrounded by high pressure.

They usually occur in tropical regions due to high temperature and humidity. Cyclones
are referred to as typhoons in the Pacific Ocean, cyclones in the Indian Ocean and
hurricanes in America. About 65-75 cyclones arise in the world every year. They are
very common in India because of its long coastline.

Effects of Cyclones and Hurricanes:

i. Tropical cyclones cause heavy rainfall and landslides.
ii. They cause a lot of harm to towns and villages, causing severe damage to kuccha
houses. Coastal businesses like shipyards and oil wells are destroyed.
iii. They harm the ecosystem of the surrounding region.
iv. Civic facilities are disturbed.
v. Agricultural land is severely affected, especially in terms of water supply and soil
erosion.
vi. It causes harm to human, plant and animal life.
vii. Communication systems are badly affected due to cyclones.

Additional Information
Management and Mitigation of Cyclones and Hurricanes:
i. Coastal areas should be well prepared to meet eventualities that arise from cyclones.
ii. Houses should be constructed such that they can withstand the heavy rainfall and
forceful winds.
iii. Shelter beds should be created to check soil erosion and speed of winds.
iv. Remote sensing techniques should be used to forecast cyclones appropriately.
v. When a cyclone does occur, rescue and relief operations should be in place.

Cyclone, hurricane,
typhoon: different
names, same
phenomenon
they may have different names according to the region they hit, but
typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones are all violent tropical storms
that can generate 10 times as much energy as the Hiroshima atomic
bomb.
The typhoon that devastated the Philippines, wiping out entire towns
with a death toll that could soar well over 10,000, is the Asian term
for a low-pressure system that is called a hurricane in the Atlantic
and northeast Pacific and a cyclone in the South Pacific and Indian
Ocean.
But meteorologists use the term tropical cyclone when talking
generally about these immensely powerful natural phenomena,
which are divided into five categories according to the maximum
sustained wind force and the scale of the potential damage they can
inflict.
Super Typhoon Haiyan, which is now heading towards Vietnam, was
a category 5 typhoon the highest level when it hit the
Philippines, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 315
kilometres (196 miles) an hour, and gusts reaching 380 kilometres
an hour, according to Japans meteorological agency.

The winds are reported to be the strongest ever measured, and

Haiyan could wrest the title of most powerful cyclone on record from
Super Typhoon Tip, which ravaged Japan in 1979.
The Philippines endures a seemingly never-ending onslaught of
deadly typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions and other natural
disasters.
Every year, some 20 super storms or typhoons hit the country, of
the 80 or so that develop above tropical waters annually.
Cyclones are formed from simple thunderstorms at certain times of
the year when the sea temperature is more than 26 degrees Celsius
(79 Fahrenheit) down to a depth of 60 metres (200 feet).
Sucking up vast quantities of water, they often produce torrential
rains and flooding resulting in major loss of life and property
damage.
They also trigger large swells that move faster than the cyclone and
are sometimes spotted up to 1,000 kilometres ahead of the powerful
storm. The sea level can rise several metres.
These powerful weather formations can measure between 500 and
1,000 kilometres in diameter and have a relatively calm eye at the
centre.
They weaken rapidly when they travel over land or colder ocean
waters.
Cyclones are closely monitored by satellites, and specialised centres
around the world in Miami, Tokyo, Honolulu and New Delhi

track the super storms trajectories under the coordination of the

World Meteorological Organisation.

North Atlantic Ocean[edit]

Eye of Hurricane Wilma while at peak intensity

Wilma at nearing record strength

Storms with an intensity of 925 hPa (27.32 inHg) or less are listed.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 1-min
sustained winds

Pressure

"Cuba"

1924

270 km/h (165 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

"Cuba"

1932

280 km/h (175 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

1935

295 km/h (185 mph) 892 hPa (26.34 inHg)

"Labor
Day"

Cyclone

Season

Peak 1-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Janet

1955

280 km/h (175 mph) 914 hPa (26.99 inHg)

Hattie

1961

260 km/h (160 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Camille

1969

280 km/h (175 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Allen

1980

305 km/h (190 mph) 899 hPa (26.55 inHg)

Gloria

1985

230 km/h (145 mph) 919 hPa (27.14 inHg)

Gilbert

1988

295 km/h (185 mph) 888 hPa (26.22 inHg)

Hugo

1989

260 km/h (160 mph) 918 hPa (27.11 inHg)

Andrew

1992

280 km/h (175 mph) 922 hPa (27.23 inHg)

Opal

1995

240 km/h (150 mph) 916 hPa (27.05 inHg)

Mitch

1998

285 km/h (180 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

Floyd

1999

250 km/h (155 mph) 921 hPa (27.20 inHg)

Isabel

2003

270 km/h (165 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Cyclone

Season

Peak 1-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Ivan

2004

270 km/h (165 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Katrina

2005

280 km/h (175 mph) 902 hPa (26.64 inHg)

Rita

2005

285 km/h (180 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Wilma

2005

295 km/h (185 mph) 882 hPa (26.05 inHg)

Dean

2007

280 km/h (175 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

Igor

2010

250 km/h (155 mph) 924 hPa (27.29 inHg)

Source: Atlantic Hurricane Best Track File 18512015

Eastern Pacific Ocean[edit]

[3]

Hurricane Patricia shortly after peak intensity

Storms with an intensity of 922 hPa (27.23 inHg) or less are listed.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 1-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Ava

1973

260 km/h (160 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Gilma

1994

260 km/h (160 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Guillermo

1997

260 km/h (160 mph) 919 hPa (27.14 inHg)

Linda

1997

295 km/h (185 mph) 902 hPa (26.64 inHg)

Elida

2002

260 km/h (160 mph) 921 hPa (27.20 inHg)

Hernan

2002

260 km/h (160 mph) 921 hPa (27.20 inHg)

Kenna

2002

270 km/h (165 mph) 913 hPa (26.96 inHg)

Ioke

2006

260 km/h (160 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Rick

2009

285 km/h (180 mph) 906 hPa (26.75 inHg)

Celia

2010

260 km/h (160 mph) 921 hPa (27.20 inHg)

Marie

2014

260 km/h (160 mph) 918 hPa (27.11 inHg)

Cyclone

Peak 1-min

Season

sustained winds

Pressure

Odile

2014

220 km/h (140 mph) 918 hPa (27.11 inHg)

Patricia

2015

345 km/h (215 mph) 872 hPa (25.75 inHg)

Source: East Pacific Hurricane Best Track File 18512015

[4]

Western North Pacific Ocean[edit]

Typhoon Tip at peak intensity

Typhoon Megi at peak intensity

Typhoon Haiyan at peak intensity

Storms with a minimum pressure below 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) are listed.

Cyclone

Clara

Year

1950

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Not Specified

Pressure

899 hPa (26.55 inHg)

Cyclone

Year

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Marge

1951

Not Specified

886 hPa (26.16 inHg)

Nina

1953

Not Specified

885 hPa (26.13 inHg)

Tess

1953

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Ida

1954

Not Specified

890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Pamela

1954

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Virginia

1957

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Lola

1957

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Ida

1958

Not Specified

877 hPa (25.90 inHg)

Vera

1959

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Joan

1959

Not Specified

885 hPa (26.13 inHg)

Nancy

1961

Not Specified

882 hPa (26.05 inHg)

Violet

1961

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Cyclone

Year

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Opal

1962

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Emma

1962

Not Specified

890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Karen

1962

Not Specified

894 hPa (26.40 inHg)

Sally

1964

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Wilda

1964

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Opal

1964

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Bess

1965

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Kit

1966

Not Specified

880 hPa (25.99 inHg)

Carla

1967

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Agnes

1968

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Elsie

1969

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Viola

1969

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Cyclone

Year

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Hope

1970

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Amy

1971

Not Specified

890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Nadine

1971

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Irma

1971

Not Specified

885 hPa (26.13 inHg)

Patsy

1973

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Nora

1973

Not Specified

875 hPa (25.84 inHg)

Nina

1975

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Elsie

1975

Not Specified

900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

June

1975

Not Specified

875 hPa (25.84 inHg)

Louise

1976

Not Specified

895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Rita

1978

220 km/h (140 mph) 880 hPa (25.99 inHg)

Hope

1979

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Cyclone

Year

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Tip

1979

260 km/h (160 mph) 870 hPa (25.69 inHg)

Wynne

1980

220 km/h (140 mph) 890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Elsie

1981

220 km/h (140 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Bess

1982

230 km/h (143 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Mac

1982

220 km/h (140 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Abby

1983

220 km/h (140 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Forrest

1983

205 km/h (125 mph) 885 hPa (26.13 inHg)

Marge

1983

205 km/h (125 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Vanessa

1984

220 km/h (140 mph) 880 hPa (25.99 inHg)

Dot

1985

220 km/h (140 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Peggy

1986

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Betty

1987

205 km/h (125 mph) 890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Cyclone

Year

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Holly

1987

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Flo

1990

220 km/h (140 mph) 890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Ruth

1991

215 km/h (130 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Yuri

1991

220 km/h (140 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Gay

1992

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Zeb

1998

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Megi

2010

230 km/h (145 mph) 885 hPa (26.13 inHg)

Sanba

2012

205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Haiyan

2013

230 km/h (145 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

Vongfong

2014

215 km/h (130 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Soudelor

2015

215 km/h (130 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Source:Typhoon information for the

Western Pacific ocean.[5]

North Indian Ocean[edit]

1999 Odisha cyclone near peak intensity

Storms with an intensity of 950 hPa (28.1 inHg) or less are listed. Data for storms prior to 1990 is
incomplete.[6]

Cyclone

Season

Peak 3-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Two

1963

195 km/h (120 mph)

947 hPa (27.96 inHg)

Three

1963

240 km/h (150 mph)

920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

1977 Andhra Pradesh

1977

250 km/h (155 mph)

919 hPa (27.14 inHg)

Gay

1989

230 km/h (145 mph)

930 hPa (27.46 inHg)

1990 Andhra Pradesh

1990

230 km/h (145 mph)

920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

1991 Bangladesh

1991

240 km/h (150 mph)

918 hPa (27.11 inHg)

1994 BOB 01

1994

215 km/h (135 mph)

940 hPa (27.76 inHg)

Cyclone

Season

Peak 3-min
sustained winds

Pressure

1999 Pakistan

1999

195 km/h (120 mph)

946 hPa (27.94 inHg)

"Paradip"

1999

260 km/h (160 mph)

912 hPa (26.93 inHg)

2001 India

2001

215 km/h (135 mph)

932 hPa (27.52 inHg)

Gonu

2007

235 km/h (145 mph)

920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Sidr

2007

215 km/h (135 mph)

944 hPa (27.88 inHg)

Giri

2010

195 km/h (120 mph)

950 hPa (28.05 inHg)

Phailin

2013

215 km/h (130 mph)

940 hPa (27.76 inHg)

Hudhud

2014

185 km/h (115 mph)

950 hPa (28.05 inHg)

Nilofar

2014

205 km/h (125 mph)

950 hPa (28.05 inHg)

Chapala

2015

215 km/h (130 mph)

940 hPa (27.76 inHg)

Source: Tropical Cyclone Best Track Information for the North Indian Ocean 18512015 [7]

South-West Indian Ocean[edit]

The most intense tropical cyclone in the South-West Indian Ocean is Cyclone Gafilo. By 10-minute
sustained wind speed, the strongest tropical cyclone in the South-West Indian Ocean is Cyclone
Eunice.

Cyclone Gafilo at peak intensity

Cyclone Eunice at peak intensity

Storms with an intensity of 920 hPa (27.17 inHg) or less are listed.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Chris-Damia 198182

210 km/h (130 mph) 898 hPa (26.52 inHg)

[8]

Geralda

199394

200 km/h (125 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

[9]

Litanne

199394

190 km/h (120 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

[9]

Marlene

199495

180 km/h (110 mph)

920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

[10]

Bonita

199596

180 km/h (110 mph)

920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

[11]

Daniella

199697

190 km/h (120 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

[12]

Hudah

19992000 220 km/h (135 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

[13]

Dina

200102

215 km/h (135 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

[14]

Guillaume

200102

205 km/h (125 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

[14]

Hary

200102

220 km/h (135 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

[14]

Kalunde

200203

215 km/h (135 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

Gafilo

200304

230 km/h (145 mph) 895 hPa (26.43 inHg)

[15]

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Adeline-Juliet 200405

220 km/h (135 mph) 905 hPa (26.72 inHg)

[16]

Bento

200405

215 km/h (135 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

[17]

Carina

200506

205 km/h (125 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

[18]

Hondo

200708

215 km/h (135 mph) 906 hPa (26.75 inHg)

[19]

Edzani

200910

220 km/h (135 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

[20]

Bruce

201314

230 km/h (145 mph) 912 hPa (26.93 inHg)

Hellen

201314

230 km/h (145 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Eunice

201415

240 km/h (150 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Australian Region[edit]
The most intense tropical cyclone in the Australian Region, is Cyclone Gwenda and Cyclone Inigo.
By 10-minute sustained wind speed, the strongest tropical cyclone in the Australian region
is Cyclone Orson andCyclone Monica.

Cyclone Inigo near peak intensity

Cyclone Monica near peak intensity

Storms with an intensity of 920 hPa (27.17 inHg) or less are listed.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Mahina

1899

205 km/h (125 mph) 914 hPa (26.99 inHg)

Joan

197576

230 km/h (145 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Amy

197980

230 km/h (145 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Vance

199899

215 km/h (135 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Orson

198889

250 km/h (155 mph) 904 hPa (26.70 inHg)

Graham

199192

230 km/h (145 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Theodore

199394

200 km/h (125 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Gwenda

199899

220 km/h (140 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Inigo

200203

240 km/h (150 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Fay

200304

215 km/h (130 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Floyd

200506

195 km/h (120 mph) 916 hPa (27.05 inHg)

Glenda

200506

205 km/h (125 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Monica

200506

250 km/h (155 mph) 916 hPa (27.05 inHg)

George

200607

205 km/h (125 mph) 902 hPa (26.64 inHg)

South Pacific Ocean[edit]

Cyclone Zoe at peak intensity

Cyclone Pam near peak intensity

Storms with an intensity of 920 hPa (27.17 inHg) or less are listed. A total of 16 cyclones are listed
down below reaching/surpassing that intensity, which most of them occurred during El Nio seasons.
Tropical cyclones that have been recorded since the start of the 196970 Tropical Cyclone year and
have reached their peak intensity to the west of 160E are included in the list. The most intense
tropical cyclone in the south Pacific, Cyclone Zoe of 2002, is also the most intense storm in the
Southern Hemisphere. By 10-minute sustained wind speed, the strongest tropical cyclone in the
south Pacific is Cyclone Pam.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Oscar

198283

205 km/h (125 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Hina

198485

220 km/h (135 mph) 910 hPa (26.87 inHg)

Fran

199192

205 km/h (125 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Ron

199798

230 km/h (145 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Susan

199798

230 km/h (145 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Beni

200203

205 km/h (125 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Dovi

200203

205 km/h (125 mph) 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)

Erica

200203

215 km/h (130 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Zoe

200203

240 km/h (150 mph) 890 hPa (26.28 inHg)

Heta

200304

215 km/h (130 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Meena

200405

215 km/h (130 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Olaf

200405

215 km/h (130 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Cyclone

Season

Peak 10-min
sustained winds

Pressure

Percy

200405

230 km/h (145 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg)

Ului

200910

215 km/h (130 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Pam

201415

250 km/h (155 mph) 896 hPa (26.46 inHg)

Winston

201516

230 km/h (145 mph) 915 hPa (27.02 inHg)

Sources:[21]

South Atlantic Ocean[edit]

Hurricane Catarina near peak intensity

Due to the fact that tropical cyclones in the South Atlantic are rare, there is no official tropical cyclone
season for this region. Despite this, there have been several significant tropical cyclones in the
South Atlantic region, notably Hurricane Catarina in March 2004. Tropical and subtropical cyclones
with an intensity of below 1000 hPa (29.53 inHg) are listed.

Cyclone

Season

Peak 1-min
sustained winds

Pressure

1974 South Atlantic 1974

45 km/h (30 mph)

Catarina

2004

155 km/h (100 mph) 972 hPa (28.70 inHg)

Anita

2010

85 km/h (50 mph)

995 hPa (29.38 inHg)

Arani

2011

85 km/h (50 mph)

989 hPa (29.21 inHg)

Bapo

2015

65 km/h (40 mph)

992 hPa (29.29 inHg)

Cari

2015

65 km/h (40 mph)

998 hPa (29.47 inHg)

Sources:[22]

988 hPa (29.18 inHg)