Tropical storms are cyclical. In America, tropical storms are called hurricanes. In East Asia they are called typhoons, whereas near the Indian Ocean they are called tropical cyclones.

Tropical storms receive their energy from the warm ocean water of the tropical zone. When the temperature of surface water exceeds 26 ˚C, water begins to evaporate at a great rate. This results in a strong upward surge of warm air. This, in turn, results in strong, cyclical winds. When this happens, a tropical storm has formed. Tropical storms can be formed only between the latitudes of 5–30˚ South or North.

In the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the water is warm enough for tropical storms to form during late summer and early autumn. In the Northern Hemisphere, tropical storms occur between August and October, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere they take place between February and April. In Pacific Asia, typhoons can occur throughout the year.



Tropical storms do not follow regular paths. The wind speed of a tropical storm can reach up to a staggering 85 m/s. An area of high pressure can occur near the center or "eye" of the storm. Hurricanes can reach the size of up to 1000 kilometers in diameter.


A satellite image of a hurricane. Hurricanes can grow up to a thousand meters in diameter.

When a hurricane arrives on land, its strong winds can cause significant damage. In addition, hurricanes can cause large waves, floods and mudslides. After a tropical storm has passed, the most significant problem to a hurricane-stricken area is the possibility that its drinking water becomes contaminated with diseases carried in the storm water.

The development of hurricanes can be distinguished at an early stage with weather satellites. In addition, the direction and speed of their movement can be predicted, which makes preparation in the endangered regions easier. Tropical storms often necessitate evacuations. 

Hurricane damage in the Eastern United States.

Real-time map on tropical storms

NASA site on tropical storms​​