Ever wondered why we call some storms hurricanes, others typhoons, and still others cyclones? The answer lies in geography. These names refer to the same meteorological phenomenon, but the terminology changes depending on where the storm originates.
Regional Naming Conventions
- Hurricanes: In the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern Pacific, these powerful storms are called hurricanes. The name comes from “Hurrican,” the god of evil in Caribbean mythology.
- Typhoons: In the northwestern Pacific, the same storms are known as typhoons.
- Cyclones: In the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, they are called severe tropical cyclones or cyclonic storms.
What Qualifies as a Hurricane, Typhoon, or Cyclone?
A storm must reach sustained wind speeds greater than 74 mph (119 km/h) to earn any of these names.
- If the winds exceed 111 mph (179 km/h), the storm is classified as an intense hurricane or major cyclone.
- When a typhoon reaches 130 mph (209 km/h), it becomes a super typhoon, like Typhoon Usagi, which caused significant devastation in the Pacific.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding these distinctions helps meteorologists monitor global weather patterns and prepare communities for potential disasters. Knowing the terminology can also enhance our appreciation of how different cultures describe the forces of nature.
Source: National Geographic
Photo Kadena Marina, Japan
