Facts about Cyclones: Causes, Formation, Types, Impact and Safety Measures

Cyclones are among nature's most powerful and disastrous weather phenomena caused due to atmospheric disturbances in low-pressure areas. The word cyclone is derived from the Greek word cyclos meaning coiling of snakes which defines the spiraling nature of these storms. Let’s learn some interesting facts about cyclones, their formation, types, effects and safety measures to follow.

Table of Contents

• What is a Cyclone
• How are Cyclones Formed
• Types of Cyclones
• Effects of Cyclones
• Safety Measures to follow during Cyclones

What is a Cyclone

A cyclone is a powerful spinning storm formed in a low pressure area that brings strong winds and heavy rains. Hurricane and typhoon are regional names for tropical cyclones. In pacific oceans cyclones are called typhoons. Atlantic and east-Pacific cyclones are called hurricanes. Larger than tornadoes, these storms often span thousands of kilometers and can last for days or weeks. 

How are Cyclones Formed

Cyclones are formed over warm ocean water and are characterized by strong winds and heavy rains. When the warm ocean water near the equator rises upward in the atmosphere it causes a low pressure area below. The air from the surrounding rushes in to fill the low pressure area and makes it warm and moist again. The air from this area keeps on rising upwards as the surrounding air keeps on filling it again and again. The process keeps on repeating and warm air keeps on rising until it forms a cloud. Soon the cloud and wind starts to spin around fueled by the ocean heat and water vapours.

Types of Cyclones 

Cyclones are classified into different types based on their geographical location and intensity. Some of the most common types of cyclones are:

• Tropical Cyclone: Tropical cyclones are formed over the tropical ocean. Hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the north-east Pacific are types of tropical cyclones. Warm air from the ocean evaporates leaving a low pressure air. The air from the surroundings moves towards the low pressure area and keeps getting deflected making it spin and creating a circular motion. The winds in the northern hemisphere spin in counter clockwise direction whereas the winds in the southern hemisphere spin clockwise. 

• Extratropical Cyclone: Also known as mid-latitudes these extratropical cyclones occur outside the tropical regions. The extratropical cyclones occur in the 30 degree to 60 degree latitude areas both in the north and south of the equator. When the warm air masses from subtropical regions meet the cold air masses from subpolar/polar regions they create atmospheric instability and give rise to the extratropical cyclones.

• Polar Cyclone: They are formed in the arctic region in the northern hemisphere when cold high pressure air sinks over the poles.

Effects of Cyclones 

• Cyclones can destroy homes, toss cars, uproot trees and flatten houses.
• Landslides due to heavy rainfall caused by cyclones can cause a lot of damage to the terrestrial ecosystems.
• Oceans can cause flooding and water rises in coastal areas causing loss of life and property.
• High-velocity winds can turn loose debris from damaged buildings into dangerous projectiles harming humans and animals.

Safety Measures to follow during Cyclones

• Evacuate low lying areas and stay away from doors and windows. 
• Secure loose objects while staying indoors inside a sturdy house.
• Avoid travelling in cars as they can get blown away with the strong wind.
• If boating or swimming, get to the land and seek shelter immediately.
• Keep emergency supplies and first-aid ready beforehand.