Current Context : The Philippines was recently affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.

ABOUT SUPER TYPHOON

Definition : A tropical cyclone with wind speed above 185 km/h (100 knots).

Formation

• Forms over oceans with sea surface temperature above 26°C.
• Develops at latitudes beyond 5° from the equator.
• Has a warm core low-pressure system with spiral inflow at the bottom and outflow at the top.

Regional Terms

• Hurricane – North Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific, South Pacific.
• Cyclone – Indian Ocean.
• Typhoon – Western North Pacific.
• Willy-willy – Southern Indian Ocean (eastern part).