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In meteorology, a cyclone can refer to one of several
different meteorological phenomena. Due to
ambiguity most weather forecasters avoid using the term cyclone without a qualifying term.
The term normally refers to a wind and rain storm associated with a region of atmospheric low pressure. The cyclonic winds rotate around a common
center. Rotation is counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere. The storms are termed
Hurricanes, typhoons or tropical cyclones, depending where they form and how strong they are.
Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) are called a tropical
depression.
Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) they are typically called a tropical storm
and assigned a name.
If winds reach 33 m/s (64 kt, 74 mph), then they are called a hurricane.
In North America, a tornado may also be called a cyclone. This usage has gone out of favour in recent years as
professional weather forecasters have avoided using the term in this way.
See also
In industry, a cyclone may refer to any of a number of different types of vortex separators.
In computer programming, Cyclone is a dialect of the C computer programming language.
In musical instruments, the Cyclone is a type of electric guitar.
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