Tropics

Tropical Definitions:

Tropical Wave – A wave in the atmosphere that has some rotation to it but does not make a full circle.

Invest – Investigation into tropical development. Sometimes low pressure area or tropical wave.

Subtropical Storm – A subtropical cyclone is a low pressure system that has some tropical characteristics but not all. It can still be considered a tropical storm but instead would be called a subtropical storm. A key feature sometimes includes a larger wind field in subtropical storms compared to tropical storms.

Potential Tropical Cyclone – The National Hurricane Center gives low pressure system’s this title when they are very likely to become a tropical depression or greater. By using the PTC title it allows for a forecast cone as well as other maps to be made and used.

Tropical Depression – Organized low pressure system with winds of 38 miles per hour or less.

Tropical Storm – Organized low pressure system with winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour.

Hurricane – Organized low pressure system with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.

Major Hurricane – Tropical cyclone with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. These storms are devastating with long term impacts lasting up to months.

Post Tropical Cyclone – A post tropical cyclone is a tropical cyclone that is no longer tropical.

Remember this: All tropical entities could have rain and gusty winds. Just because it may not be a hurricane does not mean it is not dangerous.

Once a tropical entity reaches tropical storm status or higher it gets a name.

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