A typhoon by any other name…

What’s the difference between a hurricane, typhoon and a cyclonic storm?

It depends on where you are. All three terms refer to the same phenomenon: a tropical cyclone. If you’re referring to a cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, you’re talking about a “typhoon”. “Hurricanes” occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and in some parts of the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Gonu is a recent example of a “Severe Cyclonic Storm” which is rare in the North Indian Ocean.

Elsewhere you’ll want to watch out for “severe tropical cyclones” (Southwest Pacific Ocean and South East Indian Ocean) and “tropical cyclones” (South West Indian Ocean).

If you’re following the progression of a cyclone, you’ll also want to know that a system first gets its proper name (e.g. Wilma, John, etc.) once it reaches the “tropical storm” level.

Source: Hurricane Research Division Frequently Asked Questions.