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Delineations

Understand the dynamics of a cyclone, a powerful rotating windstorm with significant impacts. Learn more!

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Cyclone

1. An air mass circulating inward around a low-pressure center (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). 2. A violent rotating windstorm.

Tropical storm A cyclonic storm with winds from 30 to 73 miles per hour.

Hurricane

A severe tropical storm with winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

Typhoon

A hurricane in the western Pacific, South China Sea, or Indian Ocean.

Monsoon Periodic wind, or the rain or season associated with it.

Tornado

A violently rotating air column in contact with the ground and extending to the base of a thunderstorm.

Waterspout

A tornado over water.

Twister

A tornado or cyclone.

Whirlwind

A spinning vertical column of air.

Dust Devil

A whirlwind with dust or debris.

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