Meteorological hazards: Tropical storms, hurricanes, cyclones and

typhoons
Definition and characteristics
Tropical storms, cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons, although named differently, describe the same disaster type.
Essentially, these disaster types refer to a large scale closed circulation system in the atmosphere which combines low pressure
and strong winds that rotate counter clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
The system is referred to as a "cyclone" in the Indian Ocean and and South Pacific, "hurricane" in the Western Atlantic and
Eastern Pacific and"typhoon" in the Western Pacific.

Hurricanes and typhoons are the same storm types as "tropical cyclones"(the local name for storms which originate in the
Caribbean and China Sea region respectively).
A tropical cyclone is a non-frontal storm system that is characterised by a low pressure center, spiral rain bands and strong winds.
Usually it originates over tropical or subtropical waters and rotates clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in
the northern hemisphere. The system is fueled by heat released when moist air rises and the water vapor it contains condenses
("warm core" storm system). Therefore the water temperature must be >27 C.
Cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons can be predicted several days in advance. The onset is extensive and often very destructive.
These disasters are usually more destructive than floods.
First, in a sudden, brief onslaught, high winds cause major damage to infrastructure and housing, in particular fragile
constructions. They are generally followed by heavy rains and floods and, in flat coastal areas, by tidal waves.
In the case of cyclones, accurate landfall predictions can give only a few hours' notice to threatened populations. In addition,
people generally opt to wait until the very last minute before abandoning their home and possessions. Deaths from drowning in the
high tides and sudden flooding and material losses are therefore often very high.

What Are Typhoons?

A typhoon is a region-specific term given to a type of tropical cyclone, usually occurring within the
northwestern region of the Pacific Ocean, west of the International Date Line. These same systems in
other regions are referred to as either hurricanes, or more generally, tropical cyclones. The center of
a cyclone is referred to as the eye. The eye is a circular area of calm, fair weather. On average, a
tropical cyclone eye is about 30 miles across. Surrounding the eye are eyewalls which are regions of
dense convective clouds. The winds of eyewalls are the highest and generally cause the most
damage. Spiraling into the eyewalls are more convective cloud regions referred to as spiral bands.
These areas contain heavy winds and extend out from the typhoon eye.

How Typhoons Occur

Researchers are continuously working toward and discovering new information on the phenomena of
tropical cyclones as there is still much regarding the system that is unknown. Typhoons occur when a
rough weather wave, using the Earth's rotation, begins to rotate (also known as the Coriolis effect).
The potential of generating a pressure system increases if this wave spins into a complete circle;
with higher pressure on the outside and a low-pressure center. High multidirectional winds
surrounding the wave can disrupt the system from forming. Hurricanes form when warm humid air rises from the
ocean. Convergent winds force the warm air into the atmosphere, where it releases latent heat as it condenses into clouds and rain. The
exchange of the heat from the surface creates a pattern of wind that spirals up around the eye of the storm, and the hurricane grows,
powered by the ocean's heat and evaporating wate

When Typhoons Occur

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), high winds push the
surface of the waters ahead of the system on the right side of its path and cause over 85 percent of
the cyclone's surge.

In order to occur, tropical cyclones generally require ocean temperatures of at least 80 F. The
systems begin with heat generated from spiraling water vapor in the atmosphere. This spiraling
vapor forms into the convective clouds discussed earlier. Typhoon incidence rate is correlated with
sea-surface temperature. Because of this, there may be a connection between global warming and
tropical cyclones; as the temperature of the waters increase, so does the incidence of tropical
cyclones.
Typhoon season is typically between late June until sometime during the month of December.

Buildings and Infrastructure

The two most destructive forces associated with typhoons are wind and rain. According to the Green
Fun website, typhoon winds can affect buildings and other structures in two ways: through direct
force and through projectiles. Direct force is when a wind gust slams directly into a building or
structure and causes physical damage, such as when wind blows the roof off a home. Wind can also
inflict damage by picking up and launching debris and other items, such as tree branches and
building materials, into buildings and other structures. The heavy and persistent rainfall that
typhoons bring can also have devastating effects. In addition to making homes uninhabitable, the
flooding associated with typhoons can make roads impassable, which can cripple rescue and aid
efforts.

Trees and Other Vegetation

Typhoons can also affect the natural environment, and cause harm to trees and other vegetation,
including crops that communities may rely on for sustenance or trade, or both. Strong winds can
snap branches; detach and injure leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds; and uproot trees and plants.
Flooding can produce over-saturation and drown out vegetation. Typhoons also deposit large
quantities of salt onto plant life, which can have adverse effects. According to the Green Fun
website, trees and vegetation in urban areas are more susceptible to typhoon damage, as they tend
to grow in poor, restricted soil conditions.

Watercraft and Water Operations

In addition to causing mayhem on land, typhoons are also well-known for stirring up the seas.
Individuals on watercraft or those performing water operations (such as on oil rigs) not only have to
contend with heavy winds and rain, but they have to deal with massive waves and, in general,
turbulent water conditions. According to the Naval Historical Center website, typhoons have a
history of causing harm out at sea, and this was especially true during World War II, when Pacific
naval fleets were regularly battered by the storms. Today, fishing boats, cruise ships and other
vessels rely on sophisticated technology to help them predict and avoid the devastating effects of
typhoons.

Life
Both human and animal life can be impacted, and ultimately taken, by the destructive forces of
typhoons. While this can occur directly, such as if an individual is struck by debris or is caught in a
building collapse, perhaps the more silent killer is the lack of available resources and infrastructure
that results. According to the Facts and Details website, flooding from typhoons can destroy food
stocks and supplies, and spread disease. When communities are cut off by typhoons, individuals
may not be able to get the medical attention they so desperately need, and starvation becomes a
big risk as well.