Tropical Storms: Characteristics, Causes, and Impacts

Tropical Storm

A storm with sustained winds 63-118 km/h.

Wind Speed

Critical for classification; over 119 km/h reclassifies storm.

Low Pressure System

Creates strong winds and heavy precipitation.

Storm Surge

Rise in sea level due to storm winds.

Flooding

Excess water inundating land, often from heavy rain.

Landslides

Downhill movement of rock and soil, often triggered by rainfall.

Coastal Flooding

Inundation of coastal areas due to storm surges.

Warm Sea Surface Temperature

Above 26.5°C fuels tropical storm formation.

Coriolis Effect

Causes storm rotation; anticlockwise in Northern Hemisphere.

Tropical Waves

Moving low-pressure areas that can develop into storms.

Wind Shear

Variation in wind speed/direction affecting storm intensity.

High Humidity

Sustains cloud formation and heavy rainfall in storms.

Convergent Winds

Winds from multiple directions forcing warm air upward.

Spatial Distribution

Location where tropical storms typically develop.

Tropical Waters

Areas 5-15 degrees from the equator with warm temperatures.

Seasonal Distribution

Timing of tropical storm occurrence in various ocean basins.

Northeast Atlantic Season

Jun-Nov, peak in September.

Northwest Pacific Season

All year, peak in August/September.

North Indian Ocean Season

Apr-Jun and Oct-Nov, peaks in May and November.

Southwest Indian Ocean Season

Oct-May, peaks in January-March.

Tropical Storm Velocity

Speed and direction influenced by Coriolis force.

Maximum Intensity Latitude

Storms reach peak strength at 10-20 degrees latitude.

Coriolis Effect

Causes cyclone movement patterns due to Earth's rotation.

Tropical Storm

Severe weather system formed over warm ocean waters.

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

Climatic phenomenon affecting tropical storm patterns.

La Niña Phase

Increased cyclone activity in Australia compared to El Niño.

Ocean Temperature Threshold

Tropical storms form in waters above 26.5°C.

Spatial Distribution

Geographic spread of tropical storms across regions.

Temporal Distribution

Timing and frequency of tropical storms over time.

Human-Induced Climate Change

Alters conditions for tropical storm formation and distribution.

Upper Ocean Warming

Increases favorable conditions for tropical storms.

Cyclone Movement in Southern Hemisphere

Moves west, then south-west, south, and south-east.

Cyclone Movement in Northern Hemisphere

Moves west, then north-west, north, and northeast.

Equatorial Migration

Yearly movement of the equator affecting storm distribution.

Climate Shift Impact

Recent changes affecting global tropical storm patterns.

Hurricane Northward Shift

Hurricanes moving north due to warmer Atlantic waters.

Cyclone Landfall Frequency

La Niña causes up to twice as many landfalls.

Solar Energy Influence

Affects distribution of tropical storms in space and time.

Unstable Air Masses

Influences spatial distribution of tropical storms.

Climatic Processes

Natural phenomena affecting weather patterns and storm activity.

Tropical Storm Propagation

Movement and spread of storms across regions.

Atmospheric Conditions

Changes in lower and upper atmosphere affect storm activity.

Recent Research Findings

Studies show shifting storm patterns due to climate change.

40-Year Climate Change Impact

Significant changes in storm distribution observed globally.

Global Average Temperature

Average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

Tropical Cyclones

Severe storms forming over warm ocean waters.

Cyclone Alfred

Category 4 cyclone impacting Queensland in 2025.

Coral Sea

Location where Cyclone Alfred formed.

Destructive Winds

Winds exceeding 165 km/h caused by cyclones.

Storm Surges

Rise in sea level due to cyclone winds.

Duration of Cyclone Alfred

21 February - 9 March 2025.

Vulnerability Factors

Population density and elevation increase cyclone risk.

Southeast Queensland

Region directly exposed to cyclones from Coral Sea.

Economic Damage

Financial losses due to infrastructure destruction.

Infrastructure Impact

Damage to roads, bridges, and power lines.

Tourism Impact

Closure of hotels and tourist sites due to cyclone.

Agricultural Damage

Crop fields flooded and livestock killed by cyclone.

Power Outages

Loss of electricity due to cyclone damage.

Insurance Claims

High claims due to extensive cyclone-related damage.

Local Government Pressure

Increased financial strain on local budgets post-cyclone.

Population Density

Higher number of people per area increases vulnerability.

Elevation

Height of land affecting cyclone impact severity.

Economic Trouble

Financial hardships caused by cyclone-related closures.

Cyclone Scale

Magnitude classification based on wind speed and damage.

Distribution of Cyclones

Spread of cyclones influenced by temperature changes.

Impact on Transportation

Disruption of transport systems due to cyclone damage.

Cyclone Alfred

A severe storm causing extensive damage in Queensland.

High winds

Strong winds contributing to property and crop damage.

Flooding

Excess water causing destruction of agricultural fields.

Environmental degradation

Deterioration of ecosystems due to storm impacts.

Ecosystem weakening

Loss of resilience in natural habitats post-cyclone.

Wildlife habitats

Natural environments disrupted, affecting animal survival.

Local businesses

Entities focused on economic recovery post-disaster.

Financial impacts

Immediate economic consequences affecting local enterprises.

Short term recovery

Quick restoration efforts by businesses after disaster.

Tourism sector

Industry reliant on visitors, heavily affected by the cyclone.

Agricultural sector

Farming industry facing crop and livestock losses.

Local governments

Authorities responsible for community safety and infrastructure.

Public safety

Priority for local governments during disaster recovery.

Critical infrastructure

Essential services needing protection and restoration.

Immediate recovery

Restoration of services post-disaster by local governments.

Insurance claims

Financial requests for recovery costs after damage.

Power outages

Loss of electricity impacting business operations.

Storm surge

Rise in sea level causing coastal damage.

Pollutants

Harmful substances affecting water quality post-cyclone.

Community well-being

Focus on health and safety of residents post-disaster.

Financial support

Assistance sought by businesses for recovery efforts.

Infrastructure damage

Destruction of physical structures needing repair.