Types of Storms (8)

1/26/2017 (Permalink)

The next type of storm is a tropical storm.  Tropical storm is a type of storm system that develops in tropical environments. These storms are characterized by extremely low pressure systems and high speed, swirling winds. In order for a storm to be classified as a "tropical storm", a specific set of circumstances must exist. In order to be a tropical storm, the wind speed must be between 39 and 73 miles per hour. Lower or higher wind speeds would be another classification (lower: tropical depression, higher: hurricane). 

Tropical storms are a very powerful storm system, much like a hurricane. Although they are slightly less powerful than a hurricane, they can still cause tremendous amounts of damage. In the Southeastern U.S. alone, there has been more than $6 billion in damage in the storms that have hit since 1979.

The two primary causes of damage during a tropical storm are wind and water.

• Wind Damage - high winds, flying debris, etc.
• Water Damage - heavy rain, storm surges, large waves and swells, mud slides