What are the description labels used with tropical cyclones by JTWC?
Anywhere in the Northern Pacific Ocean, a tropical cyclone of 33kt intensity or less is designated a “Tropical Depression.” Throughout that same area, a tropical cyclone between 34 and 63kt intensity is designated a “Tropical Storm.” Within the Northeastern and North-central Pacific, a tropical cyclone of 64kt intensity or greater is called a “Hurricane.” Within the Northwestern Pacific, however, a tropical cyclone between 64 and 129 kt intensity is called a “Typhoon.” A tropical cyclone of 130kt or greater in the Northwestern Pacific is designated a “Super Typhoon.” Elsewhere (Indian Ocean and the South Pacific), JTWC describes all tropical cyclones as “Tropical Cyclone,” regardless of intensity. Back to top Q: How are tropical cyclones named? A: JTWC does not name tropical cyclones. JTWC uses the names determined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Tropical Cyclone Program. Only after the WMO-designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) names a cyclone will
