Hydrometeorological Hazards and Extreme Weather Phenomena

Tropical Cyclones

• The maximum sustained windspeed for a Severe Tropical Storm (STS) is 48-63 kt (89-118 km/h).
• A tropical cyclone is a generic term used by meteorologists to describe a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originate over tropical water.
• The center of a cyclone is described as the most calm part, known as the "eye".

Weather Phenomena

• The presence of lightning and thunder characterizes a thunderstorm.

Storm Surge

• The primary hazard posed by a Storm Surge to coastal settlements is coastal flooding.

El Niño

• El Niño causes an increase in sea surface temperature across the central and east-central Pacific.

Cyclone Rotation

• In the southern hemisphere, the direction of rotation near the ground for tropical cyclones is clockwise.

Typhoons

• Typhoons are primarily found in the western Pacific Ocean.

Extreme Meteorological Phenomena

• Extreme meteorological phenomena include tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods, and are collectively known as "severe weather".

Regional Cyclone Names

• Tropical cyclones in the South Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean are referred to as "cyclones".