Terms associated with the hurricane season

The official hurricane season began yesterday. Below are some of the terms used in storm reports.

Miami: Reuters: HERE IS a glossary of some of the terms the National Hurricane Centre uses as it tracks the 2000 Atlantic storm season.

Hurricane/Typhoon: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 mph (119 kph) or more. The term hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere cyclones east of the International Dateline to the Greenwich Meridian. The term typhoon is used for Pacific cyclones north of the Equator west of the International Dateline.

Hurricane Season: The part of the year when hurricanes are most likely. The season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Hurricane Warning: A warning that sustained winds 74 mph (119 kph) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or waves continue even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Hurricane Watch: An announcement of specific coastal areas where a hurricane or an incipient hurricane condition poses a possible threat, generally within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 mph (63 kph) to 73 mph (118 kph).

Tropical Storm Warning: A warning for tropical storm conditions that are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that a tropical storm poses or tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours.

Centre: The vertical axis or core of a tropical cyclone.

Eye: The relatively calm centre of the tropical cyclone that is more than one half surrounded by wall cloud.

Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm.

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