Cyclone

Cyclones form due to differences in temperature and pressure in the atmosphere. When warm, moist air rises from the Earth's surface, it creates a low-pressure area. Cooler air then rushes in to replace the rising warm air, causing the system to spin due to the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect).

The term cyclone is used for any rotating storm system, and it includes tropical cyclones, extratropical cyclones, and tornadoes:

• Tropical Cyclones: These form over warm ocean waters and can cause extreme weather, such as floods and storm surges.
• Extratropical Cyclones: These develop in mid-latitudes and are associated with cold and warm fronts, typically bringing widespread rain and strong winds.
• Tornadoes: A smaller but more intense form of cyclone, characterized by violently rotating winds, typically forming from severe thunderstorms.

Typhoon, Hurricane, and Cyclone: What's the Difference?

The terms typhoon, hurricane, and cyclone all refer to the same type of storm—rotating systems of low pressure—but they are used in different regions of the world. The difference lies in their geographic location:

• Hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic, the Northeast Pacific, and the South Pacific Ocean.
• Typhoons occur in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, typically affecting countries in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Cyclones occur in the South-West Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. The term cyclone is also used in the Indian Ocean region.

Despite the different names, the systems are the same in terms of their structure and behavior. What distinguishes them is simply their location on the globe.

Cyclone Classification:

Cyclones are categorized based on their wind speeds and potential for damage. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is the most widely recognized classification system for cyclones (or hurricanes), categorizing them as follows:

• Category 1 (74–95 mph / 119–153 km/h): Minor damage; some coastal flooding, tree damage, and power outages.
• Category 2 (96–110 mph / 154–177 km/h): Moderate damage; uprooted trees, significant roof damage, and prolonged power loss.
• Category 3 (111–129 mph / 178–208 km/h): Extensive damage; major structural impacts, mobile homes destroyed, and widespread outages.
  Category 4 (130–156 mph / 209–251 km/h): Severe damage; most trees uprooted, major infrastructure damage, and prolonged uninhabitable conditions.
• Category 5 (157+ mph / 252+ km/h): Catastrophic damage; widespread destruction, buildings severely damaged or destroyed.

This scale helps assess cyclone strength, issue warnings, and prepare for potential impacts.