Hurricane vs. Typhoon

Difference Between Hurricane and Typhoon: Both hurricanes and typhoons belong to the same weather phenomenon, that is tropical cyclones. Both originate over warm oceans, follow the same spiral or rotating structure, carry heavy rainfall and wind along with them, and are capable of causing huge devastation. Thus, we can say that they are almost similar to each other. However, there are some minute points of difference between the two.

Difference Between Hurricane and Typhoon

The following points discuss whatever minute differences a Typhoon and a Hurricane have –

1. Both hurricane and typhoons are tropical cyclones that form over oceans. However, hurricanes are known to form over 5 – 30 degree latitudes in the northern hemisphere while typhoons are known to form over the 190-100 degree latitudes in the northern hemisphere.
2. Hurricane is the name given to the tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific and the eastern North Pacific whereas Typhoon is the name given to a tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific.
3. Based on the speed of wind, hurricanes are divided into 5 categories. This is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. The highest speed is that of category 5. While on the other hand for typhoons, they are divided into 3 categories other than the tropical storm and sever tropical storm. This Typhoon intensity scale is used by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
4. Every country has a department to name these hurricanes and keep record of them. Like in India, the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) is responsible for naming hurricanes that occur in the Indian ocean region while on the other hand, Typhoons are named and recorded by the meteorological department of the concerned areas. As an example, Japan Meteorological Agency names the typhoons of the northwest Pacific Ocean.

Differences Between Hurricane & Typhoon can be summed as follows:

Hurricane	Typhoon
They are formed in the 5-30 degree latitudes of northern hemisphere.	They are formed in the 190- 100 degree latitudes of northern hemisphere.
A tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific and the eastern North Pacific is known as a Hurricane.	A tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific is known as a Typhoon.
Based on intensity, they are divided into 5 categories.	Based on the intensity, they are divided into 3 categories.
Their naming is done by the National Hurricane center (NHC).	Their naming is done by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

FAQs Difference Between Hurricane and Typhoon

Q. Is there any difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?

Ans: The difference between a hurricane and a typhoon exists but it is too minor to even consider. We can say there is hardly any difference and both of them are the same phenomenon.

Q. If a hurricane is same as a typhoon, then why are they named differently?

Ans: The two are named differently because of the regional differences. The tropical cyclone in north Atlantic, central North pacific and eastern North Pacific is known as a Hurricane while a tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific is known as a Typhoon.

Q. What is a hurricane and a typhoon?

Ans: Both are tropical cyclones that generate over warm ocean water and are capable of causing huge devastation.

Q. Are there any areas in India that have witnessed Cyclone?

Ans: Yes, in India, the states along the Bay of Bengal, like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Odisha and those along the Arabian sea, like Gujarat and Maharashtra are prone to Cyclone.