" The answer is simple: a tropical cyclone is called a "hurricane," a "typhoon" or a "cyclone" depending on the ocean basin in which it forms. read more
Hurricanes and typhoons are the same weather phenomenon: tropical cyclones. A tropical cyclone is a generic term used by meteorologists to describe a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation. read more
Jonathan Comstock, research support specialist in the Department of Horticulture, replies: ‘Typhoon’ and ‘hurricane’ are regional names for the same kind of storm. read more