As hurricane season continues to heat up and multiple storms have been named already this year, you may be wondering what the difference is between a tropical storm and a hurricane. Although these storms should not be used interchangeably, people often fail to realize the distinction.
As Tropical Storm Idalia continues to strengthen in the Gulf, forecasters warn that it will likely become a hurricane. But what does that mean?
Formation
Both tropical storms and hurricanes are born from the same family: the warm waters of the tropics. However, the paths they take toward maturity differ significantly.
A tropical storm forms when a tropical depression, an area of low pressure with organized thunderstorm activity but lacking strong, circular wind patterns, strengthens. The tropical depression graduates to a tropical storm when wind speeds climb to fall within the range of 39 and 73 mph.
During this stage, the storm begins to exhibit a more structured circulation pattern, hinting at its potential to develop further.
On the other hand, a hurricane represents an advanced stage of the same developmental cycle. The tropical storm further intensifies, with wind speeds breaching the 74 mph mark, thereby earning the hurricane designation.
The structure of the storm system becomes increasingly organized, exhibiting more defined cyclonic features. An eye forms in the center, creating a calm oasis amid the atmospheric tempest, an unmistakable sign of a mature hurricane.
Wind Speed
Wind speed is a crucial distinguishing factor between tropical storms and hurricanes, a tangible measure of their destructive potential. While capable of causing significant damage, tropical storms are characterized by relatively lower wind speeds.
These typically range between 39 and 73 mph. Though substantial, these wind speeds often result in less severe damage than their stronger counterparts, hurricanes. The winds can topple trees, damage buildings, and cause widespread power outages but usually stop short of catastrophic destruction.
Hurricanes, however, are nature's true powerhouses. With their wind speeds starting at a staggering 74 mph and, in extreme cases, exceeding 150 mph, they represent a much greater destructive potential.
The ferocity of hurricane winds can cause wide-scale devastation, often leveling entire buildings, uprooting large trees, and leading to catastrophic damage to infrastructure. The increased wind speed significantly exacerbates the level of destruction, marking a clear distinction between hurricanes and tropical storms.
System Structure
Another fundamental difference between tropical storms and hurricanes is their overall system structure. Tropical storms, despite being reasonably well-organized, typically lack a well-defined eye. Their symmetrical structure is less pronounced, and the storm system appears more chaotic when seen from satellite images.
Contrastingly, hurricanes exhibit a much more structured and symmetrical system. One of the defining features of a hurricane is the presence of a clear eye at the center, surrounded by a dense wall of thunderstorms, known as the eyewall.
This eyewall region is often the most destructive part of a hurricane, housing the storm's strongest winds and heaviest rains. This increased level of organization, marked by a serene eye and devastating eyewall, contributes significantly to the hurricane's overall destructive power and is a clear indicator of its maturity stage.
Storm Surge
The storm surge presents another significant distinguishing aspect between tropical storms and hurricanes. A storm surge occurs when the sea level rises dramatically due to the storm's wind pressure, causing a temporary increase in the sea's height and coastal flooding.
Tropical storms can cause storm surges, but their magnitude is generally less severe due to the storm's lower wind speeds.
In contrast, hurricanes are notorious for causing devastating storm surges. The sheer power of a hurricane's wind speed and organized structure can drive a massive volume of seawater toward the coast.
In many cases, the storm surge associated with a hurricane can lead to severe coastal flooding, causing substantial damage and posing a significant threat to life and property.
Rainfall
Rainfall intensity serves as another key differentiator between tropical storms and hurricanes. While tropical storms can produce significant rainfall leading to local flooding, the precipitation is generally less than a hurricane's.
This difference can be attributed to the storm's organization level and the amount of moisture the storm can extract from the sea.
On the other hand, with their well-organized structure and stronger winds, hurricanes can produce intense rainfall leading to widespread and severe flooding. These rainfall patterns can cover large areas and persist for a longer duration.
In some cases, even after the hurricane has dissipated, the remnants can continue to cause substantial rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
Damage Potential
When comparing the damage potential, hurricanes generally cause significantly more destruction than tropical storms due to their stronger winds, larger size, and longer duration.
This potential for damage is reflected in the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a 1 to 5 rating system that estimates potential property damage based on a hurricane's wind speed. On this scale, hurricanes fall into categories 1 through 5, with Category 5 hurricanes being the most destructive.
Tropical storms, although not as damaging as hurricanes, should be considered. They can still cause extensive damage, especially through flooding, storm surge, and wind-related impacts. However, their lower wind speeds and typically smaller size result in a less destructive potential when compared to hurricanes.
Duration and Size
Another contrast between tropical storms and hurricanes lies in their duration and size. Tropical storms, while capable of lasting several days, are usually shorter-lived than hurricanes. They also tend to cover a smaller geographical area, limiting the extent of their impact.
In contrast, hurricanes are often more extensive and long-lasting weather systems. They can persist for a week or longer, and their impact zone can span hundreds of miles. This extended duration and larger size mean that hurricanes can affect a much broader area than tropical storms, contributing to their potential for greater destruction.
