Meteorology · Tropical Cyclones — Terminology

A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots is classified as a:

Explanation

A tropical depression has winds up to 33 kt; a tropical storm 34–63 kt (and is given a name); a hurricane/typhoon has sustained winds of 64 kt or more. Classification drives the warnings issued to mariners.

Authority: NOAA NHC tropical cyclone classifications

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