Definition of Tropical Storm

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TeachMeFinance.com - explain Tropical Storm



Tropical Storm

The term 'Tropical Storm' as it applies to the area of Earth observation can be defined as 'Tropical storms generally form in the eastern portion of tropical oceans and track westward. Hurricanes, typhoons, and willy-willies all start out as weak low pressure areas that form over warm tropical waters (e.g., surface water temperature of at least 80 degrees F). Initially, winds and cloud formations over the warm tropical waters are minimal. Both intensify with time. Formation of tropical storms also requires a significant Coriolis effect to induce proper spin in the wind formation. As the storm begins to organize itself into a coherent pattern, it will experience increased activity and intensity. When a storm develops a clearly recognizable pattern, it is referred to as a tropical depression. When wind speeds reach 35 knots (40.3 mph), it is called a tropical storm and is given a name. When wind speed equals or exceeds 74 mph, the storm is called a hurricane. In the western Pacific, a hurricane is referred to as a typhoon. In waters around Australia it is called a cyclone or willy-willy'.

The term 'Tropical Storm' as it applies to the area of the weather can be defined as ' A tropical cyclone in which the maximum 1-minute sustained surface wind ranges from 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph) inclusive'.


Previous 5 Terms:
Tropical Cyclone Update
Tropical Depression
Tropical Disturbance
Tropical Ocean-Global Atmosphere (TOGA)
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
Next 5 Terms:
Tropical Storm Summary
Tropical Storm Warning
Tropical Storm Watch
Tropical Wave
Tropical Weather Discussion




About the author

Mark McCracken

Author: Mark McCracken is a corporate trainer and author living in Higashi Osaka, Japan. He is the author of thousands of online articles as well as the Business English textbook, "25 Business Skills in English".


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