What is a Typhoon

A tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans (East Asia).

The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind.

Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes.

Cyclones are huge revolving storms caused by winds blowing around a central area of low atmospheric pressure. In the northern hemisphere, cyclones are called hurricanes or typhoons and their winds blow in an anti-clockwise circle. In the southern hemisphere, these tropical storms are known as cyclones, whose winds blow in a clockwise circle.

Typhoon Morakot is going through Taipei, Taiwan at the moment.