Defining Tropical Cyclones

What You Need to Know About Tropical Cyclones

Defining Tropical Cyclones

A tropical cyclone, often referred to as a typhoon or hurricane, is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans.

Key characteristics include:

• Low atmospheric pressure
• High wind speeds
• Spiral rainbands

Tropical Cyclones in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

The PAR experiences significantly more tropical cyclones than any other region globally.

Impact of Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones can wreak havoc on coastal areas:

• Causing massive destruction
• Leading to substantial death tolls

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Tropical cyclones are categorized on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale, based on wind speed:

1. Category 1: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
2. Category 2: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
3. Category 3: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
4. Category 4: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
5. Category 5: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)

Additional Notes

Tropical cyclones are warm-core low-pressure systems characterized by:

• Spiral inflow of mass at the bottom level
• Spiral outflow at the top level