What is a cyclone and what is the difference between a cyclone, a hurricane and a typhoon?

Every year, we hear many times that typhoons are raging off the coast of Japan, hurricanes are raging in America, and tropical cyclones are raging in other parts of the world, such as Europe or the southern hemisphere. Now we will fix what kind of atmospheric systems these are.

What is a cyclone?

A cyclone is a low-pressure atmospheric system in which air flows in a circular motion towards the center of the storm and rises there. It is usually accompanied by intense wind. It can bring heavy rains, floods and gusts of wind.

Warm water, such as over superheated oceans, can develop into one of nature’s most destructive storms. Based on the strength of the wind gusts, its strength and category are determined:

• Category 1 : Wind speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h). Storms may cause minor damage and minor flooding.
• Category 2 : Wind speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h). Strong winds and major damage such as damage to roofs and windows can occur.
• Category 3 : Wind speed: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h). More serious damage, major floods, houses can be significantly damaged.
• Category 4 : Wind speed: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h). Large-scale damage and flooding, buildings and infrastructure can be seriously damaged.
• Category 5 : Wind speed: over 157 mph (252 km/h). Extremely severe damage, long-term power outages and serious infrastructural destruction.

What is the difference between a cyclone, hurricane and typhoon?

Cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons are similar storm systems, their names are distinguished based on their geographical location:

1. Cyclone : This is a general term for any low pressure system in which air flows in and rises. Storms that form in South Asia, the Indian Ocean and other tropical areas are known by this name.
2. Hurricane : Forms in the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes are a type of tropical cyclone and are systems that reach a specified strength threshold, usually with winds of at least 74 mph (about 119 km/h). They are common in the Atlantic and Caribbean and often cause extensive damage to coastal areas.
3. Typhoon : Forms in the western Pacific Ocean and near the eastern coast of Asia, such as Japan and China. Typhoons and hurricanes work basically the same, but typhoons are typical in the Asian region. Typhoons are also tropical cyclones and must meet similar strength thresholds to be named.