TYPHOONS

WHAT IS A TYPHOON?

How does a Typhoon form?
It forms when warm tropical waters collide with low pressure weather systems, a cycle of fast evaporation and condensation begins building up the storm.

TYPHOON CHARACTERISTICS

• Wind
• Air pressure
• Precipitation
• Humidity

Wind
Typhoons with sustained wind speeds in excess of 115 knots (about 200 kph) are frequently referred to as Super Typhoons.

AIR PRESSURE

Precipitation
Heavy rains, however, can cause significant flooding inland, and storm surges can produce extensive coastal flooding up to 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the coastline.

HUMIDITY

Typhoon Haiyan, described as the as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in recorded history, hit the Philippines with winds of 195mph.

The category five storm - which has also been called Yolanda in the Philippines - is reported to have had speeds at landfall of 195mph and gusts of up to 235mph, meaning that it is believed to be stronger than the world's last strongest tropical cyclone, hurricane Camille, which was recorded as making landfall in Mississippi with 190 mph winds in 1969.

Typhoon Haiyan which struck the Philippines on November 8 causing widespread devastation has resulted in severe damage, costing the region $225 million in damages.