Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones: What's the Difference? 🌪️

All three names are names used to describe some of the most powerful and destructive meteorological systems on earth - but what is the difference between them?<br /><br />You can find out more about how hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones are formed on the Met Office website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/tropicalcyclone/hurricane<br /><br />So what is the difference?<br /><br />The quick answer is - nothing.<br /><br />Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones are actually just different names for the same type of storm.<br /><br />Each name is used depending on the part of the world from which the storm originates.<br /><br />They are all used to describe large rotating storm systems that develop over warm tropical waters.<br /><br />These storms begin life known simply as tropical cyclones and become classified as a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone when the winds within them reach 74 miles per hour or higher.<br /><br />In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, the term Hurricane is used.<br /><br />In the Northwest Pacific they are known as typhoons.<br /><br />In the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are called cyclones.<br /><br />The strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and storm surges associated with these storms can cause major damage.<br /><br />Music: PlutoTracks - Breathless