tropical storm

A tropical cyclone with maximum surface winds faster than 17 m s⁻¹ or 33 knots (kt) (i.e., above tropical depression) but less than 33 m s⁻¹ or 64 kt (i.e., below hurricane or typhoon).

In the Western Hemisphere, tropical storm indicates a tropical cyclone with maximum surface winds of 18–32 m s⁻¹ (35–64 kt).

In the northwestern Pacific Ocean, the term indicates a tropical cyclone with maximum surface winds of 18–24 m s⁻¹; a tropical cyclone with maximum surface winds of 24–32 m s⁻¹ is referred to as a severe tropical storm.

In the northern Indian Ocean, these two classes are referred to as cyclonic storms and severe cyclonic storms, respectively.

In the southwestern Indian Ocean, they are referred to as moderate tropical storms and severe tropical storms, respectively.

For a more complete discussion, see tropical cyclone.

Term edited 15 June 2026.