largest cyclone in the world

Nithish kumar
3 min readJun 26, 2023

--

Cyclones are powerful weather systems characterized by low-pressure centers and strong rotating winds. They are known by different names in various parts of the world. For instance, they are called hurricanes in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans, typhoons in the western Pacific Ocean, and cyclones in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.

Here’s some information about cyclones:

Formation: Cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator. They require specific atmospheric conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and low wind shear. As warm moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, it creates an area of low pressure. This low-pressure area draws in surrounding air, causing it to rotate and form a cyclonic circulation.

Structure: A mature cyclone consists of an “eye” at the center, surrounded by a ring of intense thunderstorms known as the eyewall. The eyewall is where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur. Beyond the eyewall, there are spiraling rainbands that extend outward from the center.

Intensity: Cyclones are categorized based on their maximum sustained wind speeds using various scales such as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Categories range from 1 to 5, with Category 5 being the most intense. The intensity of a cyclone is influenced by factors like sea surface temperatures, atmospheric moisture, and wind shear.

Effects: Cyclones can have significant impacts, including high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding. The destructive power of a cyclone primarily comes from the combination of strong winds and storm surge, which can cause widespread damage to coastal areas. Heavy rainfall associated with cyclones can lead to inland flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

Forecasting and tracking: Meteorological agencies around the world use various tools like weather satellites, radars, and computer models to forecast and track cyclones. These tools help in predicting the path, intensity, and potential impact of a cyclone. Early warning systems are essential to alert and evacuate residents in the path of a cyclone, reducing the risk to human life.

Mitigation and preparedness: Countries and communities in cyclone-prone regions undertake measures to mitigate the impact of cyclones. These include building robust infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, constructing storm shelters, and educating the public about preparedness measures such as evacuation plans and securing property.

Climate change: There is ongoing research into the potential link between cyclones and climate change. While it is challenging to attribute any specific cyclone to climate change, there is evidence that warmer sea surface temperatures can lead to more intense cyclones. Additionally, rising sea levels can exacerbate the impact of storm surges associated with cyclones.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is a general overview, and specific details about cyclones can vary based on their region and local conditions.

Tropical Cyclone Phailin has made landfall in Odisha state, on India’s east coast, according to local authorities.
 
 More than 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Of them, more than 400,000 were moved to safety in Odisha alone, CNN informs.
 
 A super-cyclone in 1999 killed more than 10,000 people in Orissa — but officials say they are better prepared now.
Tropical Cyclone Phailin has made landfall in Odisha state, on India’s east coast, according to local authorities.

More than 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Of them, more than 400,000 were moved to safety in Odisha alone, CNN informs.

A super-cyclone in 1999 killed more than 10,000 people in Orissa — but officials say they are better prepared now.

largest cyclone in the world

The largest cyclone in the world, based on its size or area of influence, is typically referred to as the “super typhoon” or “supertyphoon.” The term “supertyphoon” is commonly used in the western North Pacific Ocean to describe tropical cyclones with sustained wind speeds of at least 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour).

One notable example of a large cyclone is Super Typhoon Tip, which occurred in the western North Pacific Ocean in October 1979. It holds the record for the largest tropical cyclone ever recorded, with a diameter of about 1,380 miles (2,220 kilometers). Tip’s central pressure dropped to 870 millibars, making it one of the most intense cyclones on record as well.

It’s worth mentioning that cyclones can also be considered large based on their physical dimensions, such as the size of their wind field or the extent of their cloud cover. However, when referring to the “largest” cyclone, it typically pertains to the overall area of influence or the size of the storm system.

CONTACT : https://medium.com

--

--