When talking about tropical cyclones, doubts often arise about what criteria are used to measure their intensity and what the differences are between a storm, hurricane, or typhoon. To better understand these atmospheric phenomena, it is essential to know the official classification of tropical cyclones, the parameters on which it is based and the meaning of each category.
La tropical cyclone season mobilizes meteorological institutions and coastal communities, especially in exposed regions of the Pacific and Atlantic. The main reason is the variety of effects they can cause, from intense rains and damaging winds to storm surges and flooding, aspects that depend directly on the intensity and type of cyclone that the population faces.
How are tropical cyclones classified?
La classification of tropical cyclones It is mainly carried out by the maximum sustained wind speedFrom this data, three main levels are determined: tropical depression, tropical storm, and hurricaneThe latter is divided into five categories according to the strength of its winds, using the well-known Saffir-Simpson scale.
According to recent data and international practice, main criteria used are:
- Tropical depression: presents sustained winds of less than 63 km/h.
- Tropical storm: the winds are between 63 and 118 km/h, and it already has its own name.
- Hurricane: occurs when winds exceed 119 km/h (XNUMX mph). At this point, the cyclone changes name depending on the region (hurricane in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, typhoon in the northwest Pacific).
Once hurricane strength is reached, the Saffir-Simpson scale segments it into five categories:
- 1 Category: winds of 119 to 153 km/h.
- 2 Category: winds between 154 and 177 km/h.
- 3 Category: sustained winds of 178 to 208 km/h. From here on, we are already talking about major hurricane.
- 4 Category: between 209 and 251 km/h.
- 5 Category: over 252 km/h. These can cause catastrophic damage.
The value of this classification goes beyond the wind figure, since provides guidance on the destructive potential of the system, including the risk of flooding, structural damage, and other associated threats such as heavy rainfall or storm surge.
Major hurricanes: what they are and why they pose such a risk
the name "major hurricane" It is reserved for those cyclones of category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. These systems are distinguished by recording winds greater than 178 km/h and for the ability to provoke widespread and severe damage to infrastructure, assets and natural environments.
An important aspect of major hurricanes is the wide diameter of its cloud area, which can reach between 500 and 900 kilometers. This means that, in addition to violent winds, they generate intense and persistent rains, which represent one of their most lethal risks, with the potential to cause rivers to overflow and landslides.
During the season, not all hurricanes reach this classification, but those that do tend to concentrate the majority of the damage and are more likely to require evacuations or emergency plans in the affected regions.
How many tropical cyclones and hurricanes are expected in 2025?
Every year, international organizations and national meteorological services publish estimates of the number of tropical cyclones that could be formed. For the year 2025 , the forecasts anticipate an active season both in the Pacific Ocean and the Ocean.
In Pacific, the formation of is expected 16 to 20 named cyclones, of which:
- Between 8 and 9 would be tropical storms.
- 4 to 5 would reach hurricane category (categories 1 or 2).
- 4 to 6 could be major hurricanes (categories 3, 4 or 5).
For Ocean, projections indicate the possibility of between 13 and 17 cyclones with name. Of these:
- De 7 to 9 would be tropical storms.
- 3 to 4 could be hurricanes of lower intensity (categories 1 or 2).
- A similar figure, 3 to 4, it would reach the category of major hurricane.
Institutions like the NOAA (United States) and Colorado State University They agree that there will be a significant proportion of major hurricanes, which increases the risk of severe impacts in coastal and inland areas.
Impacts and usefulness of the classification
La classification of tropical cyclones allow assess the danger of each system and facilitates the decision making in emergencies. Knowing the category helps the population and authorities to prepare in advance, identify areas of greatest risk and adjust infrastructure to minimize damage.
In countries like Mexico, Honduras and other Central American countries, experience shows that the most intense cyclones They tend to cause the most severe damage, both due to winds and prolonged rainfall. It is estimated that between one and three major cyclones could directly or indirectly affect the region during the 2025 season.
Associated rains, even from distant storms, often cause Floods, river overflows and landslides in mountainous areas and valleys.
Knowing the classification of tropical cyclones It is vital to assess the potential hazard, prepare emergency equipment, and understand why certain cyclones require more extensive monitoring. The 2025 season is expected to be active, so it's advisable to stay informed and identify each category according to international criteria.
