Storms are natural occurrences that can be attributed to the changes in the weather. They can also be defined as any disturbed state in the atmosphere that usually affects the planet surface. Storms can be marked by several factors such as strong winds, thunder, lightning and heavy precipitation such as ice, rain or hail. When a center of low pressure develops within a system of high pressure, storms are likely created .

The combination of opposing forces from the high and low pressure systems create winds and can lead to the formation of storm clouds. In some instances, small, localized areas of low pressure form from hot air that rises off hot ground which results in a “storm in miniature” such as forming into a dust devil or whirlwind.

What is a tropical cyclone?

A tropical cyclone or hurricane is a storm system that is characterized by a closed circulation around a center of low pressure which is fueled by the heat released when moist air rises and condenses.

The term tropical cyclone comes from the nature of the storms originating from the tropics and their cyclonic nature. They are distinguished from other types of cyclonic storms by the fuel that powers them which is heat absorbed from its surroundings. That is why they are also known as "warm core" storm systems.

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes usually form in the oceans if the prevailing conditions in the area are favorable. Tropical cyclones are capable of producing extremely strong winds, tornadoes, and heavy torrential rain. Though tropical cyclones are known for their destructive nature, they also serve a good purpose.

Tropical cyclones have been known to alleviate serious drought conditions in many countries. They can carry excess heat away from the tropics, an important mechanism of the global atmospheric circulation that helps in maintaining natural equilibrium in the environment. If it were not for tropical cyclones bringing excess heat into the middle latitudes, areas found in the equator would become unbearably hot.

Destructive Effects

The power of a tropical cyclone or hurricane can devastate the areas that are directly in its path. On water, it may not do so much damage except for unfortunate ships that come to its path. But once it approaches land, the destructive power of a tropical cyclone becomes even more apparent.

Strong Winds. Strong winds are the most common means of destruction associated with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. The storm winds can create enough force that can uproot trees, knock down buildings and homes, throw debris around, and flip cars. Not only can the strong winds of a tropical cyclone be dangerous, they can also continually blow upon the water and bring them inland which creates another problem- storm surge and high waves.

Storm Surge. Storm surges happen when sea levels continually rise due to the low pressure, high winds, and high waves that is associated with a tropical cyclone as it makes landfall. When this rise in sea level reaches land, it causes flooding in the coastal areas and can have deadly consequences if people living in these areas are caught unaware. Storm surge and the high waves can make water rise to as high as 30 feet, high enough to ravage homes and buildings built along along the shore.

Flooding. Apart from the flooding that a storm surge may bring, heavy rainfall that comes with a tropical cyclone can also cause both flash and long term flooding inland. Tropical storms and hurricanes can bring torrential rains that can drop as much as a meter of rainwater in an area in a span of two days. This can cause big problems of massive flooding in areas that can act as a basin for the abnormally large amount of rainfall. Inland flooding can kill more people than the even strong winds can do. Although tropical cyclone forces may slow down when it comes inland, it can still produce a lot of rainfall.

In order to lessen the costs entailed by an incoming cyclone in terms of lives and property, every effort is taken in order to improve storm predictions. Knowing when and where a storm is forming, how big it is going to be, and where it is headed will be able to provide weather experts with enough time to alert people and protect themselves from the impending storm and the destructive forces that it brings.