Storm Strength

Panama City condominium damaged by Hurricane Opal Click on image for full size (251K GIF) Photo courtesy of FEMA A cyclone is an area of low pressure with winds blowing counter-clockwise around it in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise around it in the Southern Hemisphere. A tropical cyclone is a cyclone which forms in the tropics--imagine that. Tropical cyclones are given different names to show how fast their winds are. Here is a list of the different names given to the storms: Tropical Disturbance: Winds weak and unorganized Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 mph Tropical Storm: Winds 39 to 74 mph Hurricane: Winds greater than 74 mph Also, meteorologists use the wind speed as one indicator as to how much damage a hurricane can do. Knowing what may be damaged lets officials know what areas they should evacuate.

When is a hurricane not a hurricane?

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage-Potential Scale

Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

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