1. Definition
1.1. Tropical storms are natural hazards that occur when tropical warm air rises to create an area of intense low pressure. As the warm, moist air reaches high altitudes, powerful winds spiral around the calm central point, creating the 'eye of the storm'. The warm air cools and condenses into heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
2. Types and where
2.1. Hurricanes
2.1.1. Atlantic Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere
2.2. Cyclones
2.2.1. Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean
2.3. Typhoons
2.3.1. West of the North Pacific Ocena
3. Categorization
3.1. Wind Category 1
3.1.1. Winds: 119-153km/h
3.1.2. Very dangerous. Winds will produce some damage
3.2. Wind Category 2
3.2.1. Winds:154-177km/h
3.2.2. Extremely dangerous. Winds will cause extensive damage
3.3. Wind Category 3
3.3.1. Winds: 178-208km/h
3.3.2. Devasting damge will occur
3.4. Wind Category 4
3.4.1. Winds: 209-251km/h
3.4.2. Catastrophic damage will occur
3.5. Wind Category 5
3.5.1. Winds: more than 252km/h
3.5.2. Catastrophic, devasting damge will occur
4. Effects
4.1. Primary
4.1.1. 1. Strong winds can badly damage homes, businesses, farmland and roads
4.1.2. 2. Death and injury caused by falling buildings, drowning as well as being trapped by landslides
4.1.3. 3. Widespread coastal and river flooding due to the storm surge and torrential rain
4.2. Secondary
4.2.1. 1. Shops, businesses and factories can affect people's livelihoods
4.2.2. 2. Shortages of food and water
4.2.3. 3. People left homeless are at risk of exposure